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.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
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.
Antihistamines tend to dry out the lining of the nose and thicken mucus. If sinus sufferers also have allergies, physicians will prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin, Allergra, Zyrtec or Benadryl and/or allergy shots to control the inflammation that results from allergies.
Antihistamines can help if your mucus is caused by allergies. Talk with your health care provider if your runny nose or congestion lasts more than three weeks or occurs with a fever.
Antihistamines reduce or block the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. They can reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and improve postnasal drip.
The most common causes of post-nasal drip are: viral infections in your nose and throat (such as a cold) hay fever — inflammation of the inside lining of your nose, also called 'allergic rhinitis' sinusitis —inflammation of the hollow spaces in the bones of your face (sinuses)
I took him to the dr 4 weeks ago and she prescribed Telfast (5ml 2 a day) and Monte Air tablets. According to her the post nasal drip is due to allergies. The medication worked for about 3 weeks and now the post nasal drip is back in all its glory.
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.
Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)
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.
All ZYRTEC® medicines start working at hour 1 on the first day you take it.
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.
Postnasal drip is generally more noticeable at night, especially when you are lying down to sleep. Possible complications include the blocking of the Eustachian tube, which joins the throat to the middle ear, leading to a painful ear infection.
If your allergies cause your sinus headaches, over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Rytan can relieve pressure and congestion.
Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
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.
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.
If your post-nasal drip is a byproduct of a common cold and resolves on its own, it's not likely to be concerning. But if it persists for more than two weeks, consider being evaluated by a doctor who can help you feel more comfortable.
taking sips of cold water when you feel the need to clear your throat – constantly clearing your throat may make things worse. using a saline nasal rinse several times a day – these can be bought from a pharmacy or made at home with half a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiled water that's been left to cool.