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.
Oral antihistamines
Antihistamines block the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. They can reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and improve postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.
Drink more fluids (preferably water) to thin out the mucus. Use a saline nasal spray. Ask your pharmacist which one will suit you best. Gargle with salty water 3 or 4 times a day.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
They then mistakenly take antihistamines, which end up drying out the nose and making thick mucus worse. "That's why it's important to make the right diagnosis," says Ellis, who also warns against self-medicating with decongestants like Sudafed, which are also drying and will further thicken your mucus.
A Sinus of Relief
Antihistamines can help by inhibiting the production of symptom-causing chemicals, and decongestants work by reducing the amount of fluid in the nose. While they'll both help, antihistamines are a bit better because they can address multiple symptoms rather than just one.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) are useful for reducing congestion and postnasal drip, and saline nasal sprays can help keep your nasal passages moist. If allergies are responsible for your postnasal drip, non-drowsy antihistamines such as loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin®) could help.
The inflammation caused by the histamine further narrows your nasal passages. As the nasal congestion persists, sinus disease, sore throat, and post nasal drip develop causing chronic coughing. Eventually you live with sleep apnea, snoring, and chronic fatigue.
“Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”
Expectorants: Expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) help thin phlegm, making it easier to blow out or cough up. Vapor rubs: Vapor rubs provide relief from coughs and chest congestion. Decongestants: Decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) can dry out mucus in the chest, nose, and throat.
It is rare to have true postnasal dripping with no obvious nasal and sinus symptoms. Other organ systems can also affect the back of the throat. One of them could be the lungs and trachea.
The older antihistamines like brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine have another effect: They inhibit the activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, decreasing the secretion of mucus and widening airways.
In addition to feeling like mucus is draining down your throat, symptoms of postnasal drip include cough, the urge to clear your throat and hoarseness. Postnasal drip has many causes, including allergies, infections, pregnancy, medications and GERD.
Antihistamines tend to dry out the lining of the nose and thicken mucus.
Claritin tends to start working within 1 to 3 hours after taking it. The difference in time can depend on which type of product you take. Oral tablets seem to kick in faster than capsules. Claritin's full effects should be felt about 8 to 12 hours after a dose.
Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
Your condition could be more serious when the postnasal drip is accompanied by symptoms such as: Extreme difficulty breathing or swallowing. A lump in or on the throat or neck. Sores inside your nose that won't heal.
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.
There are various factors that could be to blame for this. One significant problem is that lying down in bed changes your elevation, draining mucus into the upper respiratory airway. The reaction is usually to start coughing and feel the need to frequently clear your throat.
Avoid television, smart phones, and other distractions just before bed. Take a warm shower or bath before bed to help you relax, and to wash away dust, pollen, and other debris that could contribute to post nasal drip and nighttime congestion.