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Postnasal Drip

Causes

Postnasal Drip Treatments and Medications

Creator: SingleCare
Published: 06-24-2020

Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.

Licensed Pharmacist

Updated Feb 7, 2025 • Published Jun 24, 2020

Fact Checked

Key takeaways

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drips down the throat, causing irritation and coughing.
Common triggers include allergies, colds, sinus infections, and dry air.
Depending on the cause, treatments can involve antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal irrigation.
Seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond 10 days, become severe, or are accompanied by fever.

Experiencing a cough, sore throat, runny nose, or congestion can be difficult and frustrating. These are just some of the common symptoms that characterize postnasal drip. Postnasal drip caused by allergic rhinitis or hay fever might be treated with a nasal spray and an allergy medication like Claritin (loratadine). A cold is a common underlying cause of postnasal drip that could be managed with decongestants or simple home remedies.

A healthcare professional will determine the best treatment options for each individual on a case-by-case basis. This guide gives an overview of how a postnasal drip diagnosis is made and medications that a healthcare provider or healthcare provider may recommend to treat postnasal drip.

What is a postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip involves mucus build-up in the back of the nose and throat. This can lead to excessive mucus dripping down the throat, resulting in frequent throat clearing, a sore throat, nasal congestion, hoarseness, coughing, or wheezing. Some people feel nauseous from having too much mucus in their stomach after swallowing it and may even run a fever.

Common causes of postnasal drip include allergies, viral infections such as the common cold or flu, certain medications, bacterial infections, dry air, spicy foods, sinus infections, pregnancy, or having a deviated septum.

Sometimes, chronic postnasal drip can occur because of bacterial sinus infections or physical problems like a deviated septum. If you have chronic or long-lasting postnasal drip, there may be additional treatment that’s required beyond taking a decongestant or using nasal sprays, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to make sure you get the right treatment.

How is postnasal drip diagnosed?

Anyone can experience postnasal drip, especially since it accompanies the common cold and flu. Older people, young children, or people with weakened immune systems may be at a higher risk for respiratory infections, which can lead to postnasal drip.

Postnasal drip can sometimes be self-diagnosed with the recognition of symptoms like a cough or sore throat. Dr. Payam Daneshrad, Board Certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology, helps explain the diagnosing process:

“A postnasal drip is often felt as a constant drip in the back of the throat by the patient. Along with the constant need to swallow, the patient will also describe an irritated throat that often feels tight. On physical examination, the physician will see clear, thin mucus in the lower portions of the nasal passages. Furthermore, an examination of the back of the throat will demonstrate a cobble-stoned appearance, redness, and swelling in the lining of the back of the throat.”

Individuals who experience chronic or long-lasting postnasal drip may require laboratory, endoscopic, or X-ray studies to correctly determine what’s causing their symptoms. After diagnosing postnasal drip, an otolaryngologist can decide on the best treatment method based on the cause.

A medical professional may ask the following questions to help confirm a diagnosis:

Do you experience allergies?
Are you taking any medications?
Do you have a cough that gets worse at night?

Postnasal drip medications

There are many medications available to treat postnasal drip. The type of medication a person should take will depend on what’s causing their symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, and steroid nasal sprays are all medications used to treat postnasal drip.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat postnasal drip caused by seasonal allergies, especially in combination with nasal sprays. However, they may also be used temporarily to treat nasal symptoms of sinusitis and viral infections. Antihistamines work for postnasal drip by drying out the mucus that causes coughing, sore throats, and other postnasal drip symptoms. Here are some popular examples of antihistamines:

Astepro (azelastine)
Claritin (loratadine)
Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Side effects associated with antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, and headaches.

Decongestants

Decongestants like Sudafed help alleviate sinus pressure that sometimes accompanies postnasal drip. They reduce the swelling of nasal tissues and blood vessels, which can lead to congestion. Pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are the two most common active ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) oral decongestants. Decongestant sprays are also available, with Afrin (oxymetazoline) being the most popular. However, rebound congestion, dryness, burning, or stinging are some side effects that may result from taking decongestant sprays.

Expectorants

Expectorants work by loosening mucus so that it’s easier to cough up. Expectorants are especially common for treating postnasal drip if it’s caused by the common cold. Mucinex or any medication that includes guaifenesin will help loosen thick mucus. Expectorants have been known to cause mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Steroid Sprays

Nasal steroid sprays help target inflammation in the nasal lining that may be causing postnasal drip. Flonase (fluticasone) and Rhinocort (budesonide) are examples of nasal sprays used to treat allergic rhinitis. Read this article to learn more about the difference between Flonase and Rhinocort.

Although they’re not made from steroids, saline nasal sprays can clear mucus and are a popular choice for children. Ipratropium is a prescription nasal spray that may be used to treat postnasal drip not caused by allergies. Side effects of any nasal spray could include burning, stinging, sneezing, or dryness.

What is the best medication for postnasal drip?

There is no one universal postnasal drip medication that’s best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary. A healthcare provider can determine the best medication for postnasal drip based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and treatment response. Here’s an overview of popular medications that a healthcare professional may recommend.

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Best medications for postnasal drip

Drug name	Learn more	See SingleCare price
Astepro	astepro details	Get free coupon
Children's Astepro	astepro-childrens details	Get free coupon
Guaifenesin	guaifenesin details	Get free coupon
Claritin	claritin details	Get free coupon
Loratadine	loratadine details	Get free coupon
Mucinex	mucinex details	Get free coupon

What are the common side effects of postnasal drip medications?

As with any medication, there are always potential side effects. Common side effects associated with postnasal drip medications may vary depending on the medication and include headaches, nausea or vomiting, and nervousness. Nasal sprays may cause temporary nasal burning or stinging. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects persist or worsen.

In rare cases, postnasal drip medications may cause allergic reactions that result in hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Serious allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so you should seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing one.

This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medicine.

What are the best home remedies for postnasal drip?

Many people rely on home remedies and natural treatments to help treat postnasal drip. Certain lifestyle changes may also help prevent postnasal drip from worsening. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for postnasal drip:

Gargling with saltwater. Saline water can help clear out mucus and congestion. It helps remove allergens and contaminants that may be trapped in nasal passages. You can gargle with salt water several times daily to help relieve congestion symptoms and a sore throat.
Drinking lemon water. Lemons are not only full of vitamin C but are also good at loosening mucus. Squeezing half a lemon into a large glass of warm water first thing in the morning can help control mucus production throughout the day. Lemon can also be added to tea, water, juice, or other beverages throughout the day.
Inhaling steam. Cold temperatures can make postnasal drip worse, so using a humidifier, taking a hot shower, or creating a steam bath can help control mucus secretion that causes postnasal drip. It’s also possible to fill a sink with hot water, lean over it with a towel over your head to catch the steam and breathe through your nose. This can be done several times a day for five or 10 minutes.
Doing nasal irrigation. Many people find relief from nasal congestion by using a neti pot. First, you can put the saline solution into a neti pot. Then, with your head tilted, pour the water into one nostril and let it come out the other. It’s important to carefully research and follow the instructions when using a nasal rinse to ensure the saline solution only goes through the nasal passages.
Drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water or other fluids can help with postnasal drip. Fluids help thin nasal secretions, which can ease symptoms associated with postnasal drip.

Frequently asked questions about postnasal drip

How to get rid of postnasal drip

There are many ways to treat and get rid of postnasal drip. Many people who have postnasal drip find relief through natural and home remedies. Nasal irrigation with a neti pot, drinking lots of fluids, and gargling with salt water are all potential ways to thin out and loosen mucus.

If home remedies don’t work, a trip to a doctor’s office is a good idea to determine what’s causing your postnasal drip. If it’s caused by allergies, an allergy medication like Claritin can help dry out mucus that causes congestion, coughing, and a sore throat. Other medications like Afrin, Mucinex, and Sudafed might be recommended if a cold or the flu is causing postnasal drip.

How long can postnasal drip last?

Most cases of postnasal drip will go away within a few days, but doctors recommend visiting a medical professional if symptoms haven’t cleared up within 10 days. If long-lasting postnasal drip goes untreated, it can cause other health problems like ear and sinus infections. Though it’s rare, some people have recurrent chronic postnasal drip because of deviated septums, certain medications, or allergies.

Is postnasal drip contagious?

Postnasal drip is not contagious on its own. It is a symptom that can be caused by different things, some of which may be contagious, like colds or the flu. If postnasal drip is due to allergies or irritants in the air, it cannot spread from person to person.

Is postnasal drip serious?

Postnasal drip is not considered a serious condition. Some people may experience long-lasting postnasal drip because of allergies, and though it’s uncomfortable to live with, its symptoms are manageable. Postnasal drip can lead to additional health issues, such as sinus and ear infections. If your symptoms persist for more than 10 days, if you experience a fever, or if you notice blood or colored discharge when blowing your nose, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

How can I stop coughing from postnasal drip at night?

One of the symptoms caused by postnasal drip is coughing. Coughing can make it difficult to sleep at night, which can put further stress on the body. One of the best ways to ease coughing at night is to take preventive actions throughout the day. Staying hydrated, gargling with salt water, or doing nasal irrigation with a neti pot can help get rid of excess mucus that causes coughing. At night, sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help keep irritants from reaching the back of your throat and nose, which causes coughing. Sleeping with a humidifier next to the bed can help the throat feel less irritated, which could also help reduce coughing.

How to cure a postnasal drip cough

Different things, like allergies or a cold, can cause coughing associated with postnasal drip. If allergies are causing postnasal drip cough, then medications containing antihistamines can help. If postnasal drip cough is caused by a cold, OTC cough medications can help with mucus production and coughing. Gargling with salt water, using a humidifier, and trying nasal irrigation are home remedies that may also help alleviate symptoms. It’s important to seek medical advice if you aren’t sure what’s causing your postnasal drip cough to make sure you use the best option.