“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed .
What causes constant sinus drainage?
In adults, chronic sinusitis most often is linked to nasal swelling caused by allergies , especially allergies to inhaled dust, mold, pollen, or the spores of fungi. These allergies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the inner lining of the nose to swell and block sinus drainage.
What will stop sinus drainage?
- Take a medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex).
- Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses.
- Turn on a vaporizer or humidifier to increase the moisture in the air.
What dries up mucus naturally?
Gargle salt water
Gargling warm salt water can help clear phlegm that's hanging on the back of your throat. It may even kill germs and soothe your sore throat. Mix together a cup of water with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Warm water works best because it dissolves the salt more quickly.
Does Claritin dry up mucus?
Yes. It's possible that Claritin can dry up mucus . Using Claritin may increase the incidence of “drying” side effects. Dry mouth is one of the more common side effects of Claritin and other antihistamine drugs.
Is it normal to have post-nasal drip all the time?
It's a common symptom of colds and other respiratory infections or allergies that have respiratory effects. Virtually everyone experiences post-nasal drip from time to time . For an unfortunate few, however, post-nasal drip can become a chronic condition.
What foods make post-nasal drip worse?
- Chocolate.
- Coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Alcohol.
- Citrus fruits.
- Peppermint.
- Spicy foods.
- Fried or fatty foods.
Does Zyrtec help with post-nasal drip?
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 .
Is Honey Good for mucus?
Honey may also reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes (airways within the lungs) and help break up mucus that is making it hard for you to breathe. Mixing 1 teaspoon with 8 ounces of hot water; have this two or three times a day.
What foods stop mucus?
Omega-3 rich fish like wild caught salmon, tuna, herring, sardines and mackerel are my preferred sources of protein to reduce mucus. Omega-3's support immune function and reduce inflammation and are a good choice to reduce your mucus load.
What medicine removes mucus from lungs?
You can try products like guaifenesin (Mucinex) that thin mucus so it won't sit in the back of your throat or your chest. This type of medication is called an expectorant, which means it helps you to expel mucus by thinning and loosening it.
Does Flonase stop post nasal drip?
Nasal steroid sprays are effective at treating postnasal drip because they reduce the amount of mucus that causes coughing, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Flonase and Rhinocort are examples of nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis, which is a recurring postnasal drip due to allergies.
Is it OK to take Claritin D everyday?
These antihistamines are non-drowsy and can be used very safely once or twice a day . The amount of decongestant in these products is generally small, but they can cause sleep problems, heart racing and anxiety in some people with sensitivities.
Is it better to take Claritin in the morning or evening?
So taking your 24-hour allergy medications before going to bed means that you'll get the maximum effect when you need it the most. “Taking your allergy medication at night assures that it will be circulating in your blood stream when you most need it, early the next morning,” Martin says in a news release.
What happens if post-nasal drip is left untreated?
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.
Can chronic post-nasal drip be cured?
Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure , and treatment varies according to the cause: Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics, nasal spray, decongestants, and nasal saline irrigations. For chronic sinusitis, surgery to open the blocked sinuses may be required.
