How to Prevent Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip occurs when the mucus that normally cleans and protects the insides of the nostrils drips from the back of the nose and accumulates in the throat. Postnasal drip is caused by allergies (both food and environmental); sinus and nose infections; weather--particularly in the winter months; dry indoor air or certain medications and drugs.

A doctor may treat your postnasal drip with antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, steroid sprays or even surgery. But there are a few steps that you can take yourself, upon the recommendation from a doctor, that can help prevent postnasal drip.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Bulb syringe
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 cups warm water

Show More

Instructions

Prevention

• 1

  Drink more water. Proper hydration helps thin mucus which allows it slide down the throat more freely.

• 2

  Stop drinking caffeine. Coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks cause an overabundance of mucus, which can lead to postnasal drip.

• 3

  Use a humidifier. Postnasal drip is particularly uncomfortable at night. Sleep with a humidifier in the room to add humidity to the air, which keeps the nasal membranes moist.

Nasal Irrigation

• 4

  Mix 1/4 tsp. salt with 2 cups of warm water.

• 5

  Fill a syringe with the salt water.

• 6

  Lean forward over the sink and insert the tip of the syringe into your nostril. Do not insert too deeply, only about the length of the tip of your finger.

• 7

  Angle the syringe slightly inward and gently squeeze the bulb of the syringe so the salt water goes into your nose.

• 8

  Allow the liquid to rinse out of your nose. It may come out of the other nostril or your mouth. Repeat. Use two full syringes on both nostrils.