If you’ve ever suffered from post-nasal drip, you’ve probably tried various at-home and over-the-counter remedies. For many, these offer great success, but there comes a time when it’s necessary to see a doctor. Knowing when to seek the help of your doctor can help you carefully judge and monitor your post-nasal drip symptoms.
Find out when you should see your doctor for a post-nasal drip from your McAllen sinus specialists.
The Common Symptoms of Post-Nasal Drip
Knowing the symptoms of post-nasal drip can help you identify when and where to seek treatment. Although symptoms may vary for each case, some common symptoms of post-nasal drip include:
- Feeling as if you need to constantly clear your throat or swallow
- A cough that worsens at night
- Nausea from excess mucus moving into your stomach
- A sore, scratchy throat
- Bad breath
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from post-nasal drip. At first, it’s best to monitor these symptoms at home and notify your doctor if they worsen with time.
The First Line of Defense Against Post-Nasal Drip
Before you run to the doctor, there may be some things you can do at home to treat post-nasal drip. Your first line of defense against post-nasal drip includes:
- Over-the-counter decongestants
- Newer antihistamines
- Saline nasal sprays
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated to encourage drainage
- Stay hydrated
- Drink warm or hot liquid to thin out mucus
Some of these at-home treatments can help with your post-nasal drip or make the symptoms less bothersome until you can seek help from your doctor. If you’re not sure whether at-home treatments are right for you, seek the guidance of your doctor or medical professional.
When to Seek Treatment for Children
Each case of post-nasal drip is different, and children should be treated differently than adults. If you suspect your child is suffering from post-nasal drip, is younger than 2 months old, and has a fever, you should seek treatment from your doctor.
It’s also best to seek medical attention if your baby’s runny nose or congestion causes trouble with nursing or breathing. Once you see symptoms arising, watch them closely, and if there’s no change or they become more severe, reach out to their pediatrician immediately.
When to Seek Treatment for Adults
As an adult, you’ll be able to judge your symptoms and know if you require a doctor’s visit. If you’re an adult suffering from post-nasal drip, contact your doctor if:
- Your symptoms last more than 10 days
- You have a high fever
- Your nasal discharge is yellow or green along with sinus pain or fever
- You have blood in your nasal discharge
- You have persistent clear discharge after a head injury
If any of these symptoms apply to you, reach out to your doctor for treatment.
A sinus specialist can examine you and prescribe the best treatment option for you.
Seek Treatment for Your Post-Nasal Drip With Our Sinus Doctor!
Once you discover that you’re suffering from post-nasal drip, it can be difficult to know when to seek treatment from your sinus doctor. At Glatz Group, our sinus specialists can take a look at your post-nasal drip and get you the treatment you need.
Reach out to your McAllen sinus specialists today to seek treatment for your post-nasal drip. Our team will be happy to take care of you and get you back to your happy, healthy self!