How to Stop Post-Nasal Drip From a Cold

Post-nasal drip is an ongoing accumulation of mucus in the back of the throat that is caused by sinus congestion due to a cold, the flu, allergies or a sinus infection. Though it is rarely a serious condition, post-nasal drip can cause bad breath, sore throat, nausea and difficulty breathing.
Depending on the severity of congestion, post-nasal drip caused by a cold can be easy or surprisingly difficult to treat.

Things You'll Need

• Saline Rinse Kit
• Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Use a saline rinse kit such as a neti pot twice daily until symptoms disappear; follow the directions included with the pot. This is a simple, safe home remedy that rinses irritants and excess mucus out of the sinuses and throat.

• 2

  Contact your physician about stubborn post-nasal drip that is not alleviated by saline rinsing. She can advise you about over-the-counter decongestants or expectorants such as Mucinex that may help to break apart mucus and loosen the congestion causing post-nasal drip.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about more powerful prescription decongestants if your post-nasal drip continues for more than seven days after you begin treatment with over-the-counter medication and saline rinses. Take these as directed.

• 4

  Notify your physician again if post-nasal drip continues even with prescription treatment. As a last resort, he may prescribe steroids to alleviate your symptoms.