Postnasal Drip Explained: Causes, Home Remedies, and 2025 Treatment Insights

Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates and drains down the back of your throat. This common condition results from your nasal and throat glands producing mucus to protect and lubricate your nasal passages. Factors such as allergies, infections, and certain medications often trigger this overproduction.

Nearly everyone experiences postnasal drip at some point. The mucus produced by your nasal and throat glands serves to:

• combat infections
• keep nasal membranes moist
• trap and filter out irritants

Normally, you swallow this mucus unconsciously. However, when mucus production increases, you might feel it collecting or dripping down your throat, which is the hallmark of postnasal drip.

Typical signs of postnasal drip include:

• constant throat clearing or frequent swallowing
• nighttime coughing
• nausea due to excess mucus entering the stomach
• sore or scratchy throat
• unpleasant breath odor

Primary Causes of Postnasal Drip

Several conditions can provoke postnasal drip, with allergies being among the most prevalent. Allergy testing can help identify triggers, allowing you to avoid them or take preventive medication before exposure.

A deviated septum—where the cartilage dividing the nostrils is shifted—can narrow one nasal passage, hindering mucus drainage and causing postnasal drip.

Additional triggers include:

• cold weather
• viral infections like colds or flu
• sinus infections
• pregnancy-related hormonal changes
• weather fluctuations
• dry indoor air
• spicy foods
• certain medications such as blood pressure drugs and birth control

Sometimes, postnasal drip symptoms result not from excess mucus but from difficulty clearing mucus due to swallowing issues or acid reflux.

Effective Home Remedies for Postnasal Drip Relief

To ease symptoms, over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can reduce nasal congestion and mucus buildup.

Non-drowsy antihistamines such as loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) may also help, especially when taken consistently over several days.

Saline nasal sprays keep nasal passages moist and soothe irritation. For persistent cases, doctors might recommend corticosteroid nasal sprays or sinus irrigation devices like neti pots to flush out mucus.

Elevating your head during sleep encourages proper mucus drainage, while staying well-hydrated with water, warm teas, or broths thins mucus and prevents discomfort.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

If symptoms last beyond 10 days despite home care, or if you experience foul-smelling mucus, fever, or wheezing, seek medical advice. These signs might indicate a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

Note that yellow or green mucus alone does not confirm infection; it often reflects your immune system’s response.

In cases of a deviated septum, surgical correction (septoplasty) may be necessary to permanently resolve postnasal drip.

If acid reflux or swallowing difficulties contribute to your symptoms, your doctor can perform evaluations and recommend appropriate treatments.

Use tools like Healthline FindCare to locate a primary care physician near you for personalized care.

Prevention and Outlook

Minimizing allergen exposure is key to preventing postnasal drip. Consider these strategies:

• Take daily allergy medications or receive allergy shots
• Maintain a clean, dust-free home environment
• Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers
• Regularly replace HVAC air filters
• Shower before bedtime after outdoor exposure to pollen

Most postnasal drip cases are harmless but can be bothersome. If accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for tailored treatment options.

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