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How to Prevent Post-Nasal Drip

Bad breath, sniffing and coughing are common symptoms of post-nasal drip due to allergies, which is an accumulation of mucus that drains to the back of your throat from your sinuses. The key to preventing this uncomfortable symptom is by taking medication to prevent mucus buildup. Over-the-counter decongestants are available to open your nasal passages, which allows mucus to clear out rather than drain back. In addition to medication, adjustments to certain habits such as smoking and sleeping also reduce the occurrence of post-nasal drip.

Things You'll Need

  • Nasal decongestant
  • Humidifier
  • 2 firm pillows
  • Saline spray
  • Neti pot
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a nasal decongestant as directed. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants prevent the swelling of your membranes, tissue in your nose that when swollen block your nasal passage from naturally eliminating mucus. Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Mucinex-D and Claritin-D are common OTC medications that provide fast relief for 12 to 24 hours. You need to be sure to get products labeled "D" for decongestant. Although these medications are available without prescription, you must ask the pharmacist to get them as they are kept behind the counter. In some states you will also need to show ID and sign to purchase these decongestants.

    • 2

      Elevate your head with a firm pillow while sleeping. Mucus tends to collect when you are lying flat on your back or on your side in bed, but a slight elevation of the head keeps the mucus from remaining in your sinuses.

    • 3

      Eliminate cigarettes. Smoking irritates the membranes of sinuses and causes inflammation that leads to mucus drainage. When smoking is eliminated from your daily routine inflammation will subside.

    • 4

      Keep moisture in the air. Place a warm-mist or cool-mist humidifier in your home to maintain moisture in the air, which prevents your membranes from drying out. Alternately, create a homemade humidifier by boiling a pot of water on the stovetop set to medium-high heat. Leave the pot uncovered to allow the water to evaporate into the air.

    • 5

      Use nasal saline sprays or rinse out sinuses using a neti pot or bulb syringe to help rinse out mucus and keep sinuses clear.

    • 6

      Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages

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