10 Magic Cure For Post Nasal Drip That You Must Know!

magic cure for post nasal drip

It has been happening for some time now. A ticklish feeling at the back of your throat either makes you cough constantly or clear your throat. Initially, you thought it was one of the symptoms of COVID-19 (with reports of a new variant emerging). But now you know the truth! You are facing a post nasal drip cough issue. No worries! Let us now figure out the magic cure for post nasal drip health issues. 

As you scroll down this post, we will quickly walk you through the vital symptoms of this condition, the causes that flare this issue, the post nasal drip remedies, and also some additional queries. 

First, why do you have a post nasal drip? 

magic cure for post nasal drip symptoms
Image Credit: Adobe Stock Photo

You might be aware that mucus is of great importance in keeping your nasal passage clear. But, if your nasal passage creates more mucus than what is deemed as ‘standard concentration,’ then the ‘additional mucus’ runs down your throat’s backside. This is called post nasal drip. 

There could be multiple reasons for this! One of the most common diagnoses is that it is caused by – a virus (inclusive of the common cold), allergies, sinus issues, dust, and even certain medications. 

The often-seen symptoms are – 

  • Cough followed by cold (a lump-like feeling at the back of your throat) 
  • Sore throat
  • Raspy voice 
  • Bad breath 

Before you rush in for formal cough and cold treatments, let us give you some magical in-home post nasal drip treatments that are of great help! 

What is the magic cure for post nasal drip? 

Let us share some of these with you – 

1. Consume warm fluids 

drink warm tea during cold
Image Credit: Mayo Clinic Health System

The first of the cures you must try, and one that always works out, is drinking as many warm fluids as possible. Hot water comes first on the list! Follow it up with hot tea (without milk) and soups regularly, at least thrice a day. 

2. Gargling with warm salt water 

gargling with salt water
Image Credit: Cofsils

Once you are done with drinking hot fluids, use them for gargling as a magic cure for post nasal drip! Using warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water – US metrics) to gargle is one of the most-opted, easy, and effective remedies in case of post nasal drips. This thins down your mucus level and helps rinse it out of your passageway. Gargle a minimum of 5-6 times daily for immediate results. 

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3. Use a humidifier 

use humidifier for post nasal drip
Image Credit: Sylvane

A humidifier adds a touch of mist/moistness to your room. This is especially effective when the air in the room is arid. For those with nasal or throat inflammation, the cool and moist air helps to slack the mucus and provides relief. 

4. Steam inhalation helps 

woman inhaling steam for post nasal drip
Image Credit: SHD Medical/Shutterstock

Steam inhalation has always helped when you have had a cold. Well, keeping the tradition strong, this is also a magic cure for post nasal drip. When you inhale the steam, it loosens the mucus by thinning it out. In this way, the nasal passage gets cleared and eases your condition. 

5. Irrigate your nasal passage with a Neti pot 

using neti pot for cold
Image Credit: Getty Images/Health

For the uninitiated, a neti pot is a small device consistently used for nasal passage irrigation. The solution used here is saline, which helps reduce inflammation and clears the additional mucus that gets clogged in. 

6. Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative 

using apple cider vinegar for post nasal drip
Image Credit: MedicalNews Today

Another of the rarely cited but extremely effective magic cure for post nasal drip is apple cider vinegar. For those of you who prefer to sniff it, the strong aroma can incidentally loosen the mucus. On the other hand, if you prefer to drink it – dilute it with warm water/tea for immediate comfort. 

7. Chicken soup can be of great help 

chicken soup for post nasal drip
Image Credit: Downshiftology

The traditional remedy is a powerhouse of nutrients that not only ease your throat but also assist in reducing inflammation. While the warm liquid reduces the soreness in your throat, the chicken helps regain your immunity levels. Those of you who are vegan/vegetarian can always opt for vegetable soup. 

8. Pick from – honey cinnamon or honey lemon fluids 

honey lemon warm drink for cold
Image Credit: My Doctor Online – Kaiser Permanente

A honey lemon tea or a glass of honey-cinnamon-infused warm water has always been your go-to alternatives, when down with a cold. Well, the news is that it acts as a magic cure for post nasal drip!

9. Sniff essential oils 

essential oils for post nasal drip
Image Credit: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

How many times have your nose blockage cleared out, all thanks to sniffing some menthol or peppermint oil? Well, it helps in dealing with post nasal drips as well! Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are two of the most opted essential oils that assist in breaking up congestion. When used wisely, it also soothes the nasal passage. 

10. Elevate your head while sleeping 

elevate your head while sleeping
Image Credit: Restwell

The last of the magic cure for post nasal drip is propping your head up on the pillow. If your condition is linked to gastrointestinal reflux, then, when you put up your head, the amount of stomach acid that is formed does not get to your throat. This helps in alleviating the symptoms associated with your post nasal drip and offers you relief. 

When lying down, do remember that your upper chest and neck must be aligned symmetrically. If not, then, the mucus might get into the upper portion of your airway and that could cause coughing or a gagged feeling, thereby disrupting your sleep. 

To ensure a quick recovery naturally, follow a couple of these suggestions as they suit you. 

What can be avoided during post nasal drip treatment? 

To ease the issue, you must avoid alcohol and smoking altogether. Apart from that, during the treatment process, you must cut down on your caffeine consumption and spicy foods since they exacerbate this issue significantly. 

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When must you consult a doctor? 

consult doctor for post nasal drip symptoms
Image Credit: Verywell Health

Assuming you have tried out most of the recommended magic cure for post nasal drip and yet there has been no respite for 10 days and over now – it is time to consult a medical practitioner. 

Also, if the regular post nasal drip symptoms include – fever, excessive fatigue, yellow/white spots on your tonsils, and cough with green/yellow mucus, then you will require additional medical diagnoses. It could be an inherent health condition (an allergy) or a bacterial infestation. 

How to prevent a post nasal drip?

wash hands to prevent post nasal symptoms
Image Credit: Adobe Stock Photo

As you have noted by now, post nasal drip is a very common health issue. Every other person in your vicinity either suffers from it or has been facing it recently. Since you, too, are hovering on this page, let us inform you of a handful of ways by which you can prevent its infestation considerably in the future – 

  • For starters, if you face this issue often, get yourself an allergy test. Perhaps you have a pollen/dust allergy that has been left unattended. It is time to find out the cause and prevent it from being exacerbated. 
  • Wash your hands often. Most of us are careless when it comes to touching things, eating with our hands, handling waste, or even attending to pets – there is a constant transfer of germs. This, too, is a vital reason behind the consistent post-nasal drip symptoms. 
  • For those extra sensitive to the cold, try to avoid low temperatures. The lower the mercury, the higher your chances of getting affected. 
  • Lastly, keep your body hydrated. Low water content in the body thickens the mucus, thereby enhancing this issue. 

Taking these steps on time will prevent post nasal drips and reduce the side effects if they do occur. 

Parting thoughts 

Post-nasal drip is one of the most recurring health issues that has been making the news in recent times. However, there are a host of magic cure for post nasal drip, such as elevated headrests, gargling warm salt water, and using a humidifier that alleviates this condition. Having said that, if it does not heal naturally after the in-home treatments, then it is better to consult a medical professional. Also, ensure that you are taking proper care of yourself and disinfecting your surroundings, to prevent exacerbation of this issue in the future. 

If you enjoyed reading this post, and want more informative content like this, then keep an eye on our website. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How long does post nasal drip last?

The duration of the post-nasal drip categorically depends on the case behind it and the immune system’s response to the treatments offered. If a virus is the reason behind your illness, it would take close to three weeks to see a marked difference. However, if you have an allergic reaction or a side effect of medication, you will see a sudden flare-up, and it will be gone within a couple of days. If it stays for more than 10 days with additional symptoms, you must consult a doctor. 

2. What is the difference between post nasal drip and COVID-19?

While post nasal drip is more of an illness related to the common cold, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 comes with more prominent symptoms like – high fever, total nose blockage, loss of taste and smell, and immense fatigue, unlike the post nasal drip syndrome.

3. Which OTC medicines help alleviate this issue?

If at-home post nasal drip remedies do not help considerably, opt for OTC meds like – antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. 

4. How can you sleep well after a nasal drip?

Apart from trying out the magic cure for post nasal drip remedies, to enhance your sleep quality with this condition, you must sleep on your side without much tossing and turning. Also, try to maintain a cool atmosphere in the room you are sleeping in. That will assist in managing airflow and improve your sleep quality.