Post Nasal Drip & Cough Treatments
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Blow
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It sounds simple enough, but judging by the constant sound of sniffling in the winter and high-allergy seasons, it seems that people often forget this easy post-nasal drip solution. Blowing your nose a few times each hour may be irritating to the skin, but it's a sure way of clearing the nasal passages of excess mucous. Try using tissues with aloe to alleviate any skin irritation.
Saltwater
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Despite popular belief, over-the-counter nasal sprays may temporarily relieve post-nasal drip, but these medications have been known to irritate the sinuses even more. One home remedy your grandmother will stand behind is saltwater. Dissolve a 1/2 tsp. salt into 8 oz. lukewarm water. Using an aspirator, drip water slowly into your nostrils. Gargling with the same solution of salt and warm water will help clear the throat and reduce irritation.
Fluids
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Drinking lots of fluids like water and hot tea go a long way toward keeping the throat free of excess mucous. And it is much better to drink fluids than to constantly clear the throat, which only causes further irritation. A humidifier will help keep nasal passages moist and prevent mucous from thickening. Iced drinks, on the other hand, slow the cilia--the tiny hairs lining the sinuses--and allows mucous to thicken more.
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