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).
Will Zyrtec dry up sinus drainage?
Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
What is the best medicine for nasal drip?
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.
What dries up sinus drainage in throat?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.
Is antihistamine good for post nasal drip?
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.
Does Flonase stop post nasal drip?
Nasal steroid sprays are effective at treating postnasal drip because they reduce the amount of mucus that causes coughing, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Flonase and Rhinocort are examples of nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is a recurring postnasal drip due to allergies.
Why do I have constant sinus drainage?
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include nasal obstruction or congestion that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
How do you get rid of post nasal drip fast?
A simple way to thin it out is to drink more water. Other methods you can try include: Take a medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses.
How long can a post nasal drip last?
It is best to treat postnasal drip early to avoid complications, and people should see a doctor for any symptoms that last for more than 10 days.
What foods stop post nasal drip?
Cut back on dairy products – Many people suffering from post-nasal drip swear that giving up or at least cutting back on dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese reduces mucus production and eases their symptoms.
Is flonase good for sinus drainage?
Prescription nasal sprays like Nasonex and Flonase may ease symptoms by reducing inflammation, which promotes sinus drainage, he says.
What dries up mucus naturally?
Drinking enough liquids, especially warm ones, can help your mucus flow. Water can loosen your congestion by helping your mucus move. Try sipping anything from juice to clear broths to chicken soup. Other good liquid choices include decaffeinated tea and warm fruit juice or lemon water.
Can post nasal drip last for months?
Post-nasal drip is among the most common causes of persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat and other annoying symptoms. It can be caused by a number of conditions and may linger for weeks or months. That’s the bad news.
Can you have post nasal drip for years?
7 When post nasal drip is the only symptom of a sinus infection, it is usually because the infection is a low-grade “smoldering” infection that has been going on for months, and sometimes even for years.
Can post nasal drip be cured?
Postnasal drip can, in fact, be cured, but only once the underlying cause is discovered. How postnasal drip is treated depends on the reason it exists in the first place.
Why is my post nasal drip worse at night?
Because mucus contains inflammatory elements that can cause irritation, common symptoms also include a sore throat, hoarseness and a cough. Postnasal drip is generally more noticeable at night, especially when you are lying down to sleep.