What triggers sinus drainage?

Causes of Sinus Drainage

Sinus drainage can be a result of a cold or from allergies. In a cold, a bacterial infection is the case. If the reason is allergies, then the sinuses will swell because they are trying to get rid of the allergen that is present.

How do I stop excessive sinus drainage?

What causes excessive sinus drainage?

One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip. Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils (septum) is crooked.

What will dry up sinus drainage?

Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They can also be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.

How do you get rid of mucus between your nose and throat?

ENT: Taking Care of Your Sinuses

What meds stop sinus drainage?

Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.

Why do I have constant drainage down my throat?

Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.

What dries up mucus and sinus drainage?

What dries up sinus drainage in the throat? Several medications may help dry up sinus drainage in the throat: Decongestants help reduce swelling in the sinuses, which can help reduce mucus. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation from an allergic reaction. Expectorants help thin mucus and make it less sticky.

What is the fastest way to get rid of mucus in your sinuses?

Does Flonase help post-nasal drip?

Flonase is a nasal spray that can reduce post-nasal drip related to allergies.

What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?

Post-nasal drip, or drainage of excess mucus down your throat, isn't just uncomfortable — left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues, including a sore throat, chronic cough, or nausea.

What makes post nasal drip worse?

Symptoms are typically worse after eating. Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)

When should I worry about post nasal drip?

Your condition could be more serious when the postnasal drip is accompanied by symptoms such as: Extreme difficulty breathing or swallowing. A lump in or on the throat or neck. Sores inside your nose that won't heal.

When should I see a doctor for post nasal drip?

Postnasal drip alone is not worrisome, but it certainly can be bothersome. If your symptoms persist more than ten days or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment with an ENT. You should schedule an appointment right away if you also experience fever, wheezing, breathing problems, or mucus with a strong odor.

What dries up post-nasal drip fast?

Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Elevate your head at night to help mucus drain. You can also gargle saltwater, inhale steam, use a humidifier, and drink warm fluids. These remedies will thin mucus and moisturize your nasal passages.

What is the best antihistamine for post-nasal drip?

Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.

Which mucinex is best for post-nasal drip?

Try Maximum Strength Mucinex^® D for relief. It contains pseudoephedrine HCl and guaifenesin, which may help you clear excess mucus and nasal congestion (as well as the resulting post-nasal drip).

Is Sudafed or Mucinex better for sinus drainage?

Is Sudafed or Mucinex better? Each medication is used for a different purpose. If you are experiencing nasal congestion, and you do not have any of the health conditions listed in the warnings above, you may want to take Sudafed. And if you are coughing up a lot of phlegm, you may want to take Mucinex.

Does Zyrtec help post nasal drip?

Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine (older antihistamines tend to thicken post-nasal secretions).

Should I take Mucinex before bed?

Take OTC medications

Expectorants are better for breaking up wet, productive coughs, but don't take them near bedtime.

Is Claritin or Flonase better for post nasal drip?

Is Flonase or Claritin better? Flonase and Claritin are both effective for treating perennial and seasonal allergies. Flonase would be more effective for nasal congestion whereas Claritin would be more useful for hives or itching. In some cases, Flonase and Claritin may be used together for severe allergy symptoms.

How long does it take for post nasal drip to go away on its own?

Post nasal drip that is caused by viral infections, such as the cold or flu, could last for weeks or longer, depending on the type of treatment and a person's immune response. Whereas, post nasal drip caused by seasonal allergies may cause symptoms to flare up suddenly and disappear after just a short time.

How do you know if post nasal drip is viral or bacterial?

If your sinus infection lasts for about a week, it's usually due to a virus. Bacterial sinus infections, on the other hand, can persist for some time. They usually last for 10 days or longer. While viral infections usually start to get better after a few days, bacterial infections tend to get worse over time.

Why do I have post nasal drip but not sick?

The kind of reflux that gives many people a sensation of postnasal dripping could actually be what is called silent reflux. This has to do with the protective mechanisms and how much they can protect us before we actually develop symptoms in our stomach area.

What drink helps mucus?

Water and other liquids can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping liquids, like juice, clear broths, and soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea, warm fruit juice, and lemon water. Your drinks shouldn't be the only thing that's warm.