Tips on Post-Nasal Drip Prevention
- Use a pollen mask when cleaning the house or moving the lawn.
- Install an air purifier and change the air filters of heating and air conditioning systems on a regular basis, preferably at least once a month.
- Use synthetic or cotton materials in pillows and bedding.
- Enclose the mattress in plastic.
- Use a humidifier.
- Keep windows shut during high pollen periods.
- Eliminate house plants if possible.
- Bathe pets regularly; as for cats (main source of pet dander), you can give them away if possible.
Treatment of Post-Nasal Drip
- Avoidance of Nasal Irritants. Though nasal irritants do not normally lead to the usual immune response seen with classical allergies, they can still mimic the effect and make allergies worse. Examples of irritants include perfume, smoke, cigarette smoke, aerosol spray, smog, and car exhaust. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
- The Use of Salt Water. Wash your nose and sinuses with salt water. It can reduce swollen and congested nasal and sinus tissues. In addition, it washes out thickened nasal secretions, bacteria, irritants, and crusts from the nose and sinuses. You can also use non-prescription nasal sprays on a regular basis, and they are very easy to use.
Nasal irrigation can be done several times per day, with the irrigating solution made of two to three teaspoons of non-iodized salt and one pint of water. To this solution, add a teaspoon of baking soda as well. Store at room temperature and mix the solution before each use. Salt causes the mild burning sensation, so use less salt if it becomes unbearable. When applying the solution, make sure to aim it towards the back of your head and not at the top.
- Treatment of Infection. The most common nasal infection is the cold. This viral infection causes the swelling of nasal membranes and the production of thick mucus. Symptoms often last several days. If your cold goes on for many days and the mucus secreted has become yellowish or greenish, it may have been secondarily infected by bacteria.
Sinus blockage can be characterized by thick mucus, nasal congestion, and facial or dental pain. If this occurs, consult your physician immediately. The aggressive treatment of antibiotics, along with supplemental medications or surgery in some cases, would help reestablish normal drainage pathways.
- Allergy Medications. Histamines, which are natural chemicals released by the body in response to allergen exposure, cause congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Antihistamines are over-the-counter drugs that block histamine reactions. These medications work best if given prior to exposure. Use them depending on your condition and based on your physician's advice.
- Decongestants. These drugs reduce the swelling of nasal and sinus tissues for a period of time, which leads to an improvement of breathing with less obstruction. Decongestants, though, stimulate the heart, which is why patients with high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart irregularity, thyroid problems, or urination difficulties should avoid them. You can use decongestants if you do not have any of the problem.
- Combinations. These are drugs made up of one or more anti-allergy medications, with a mixture of a decongestant and an antihistamine. They simplify the dosing process. Also, a combination can either give more benefits or have counteracting side-effects that reduces or completely eliminate total side-effects. Consult your physician before acting as an intrepid individual and a free soul who loves to experiment.
- Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy. These are drugs that interfere with allergic responses, in which upon identification of an allergen, small amounts of it are given back to the person. Over time the person should have developed antibodies to block allergens. If you happen to use allergy shots, you become less reactive and less sensitive to substances causing allergic symptoms. Use immunotherapy to manage allergy symptoms, but be sure to consult your physician before and during treatment.
- Steroids. These drugs are quite effective for allergy use. Patients who suffer from serious allergies may opt to use steroids to manage the symptoms and prevent further occurrences. However, steroids my cause serious side effects when used for an extended period of time. If you have considered using them or your physician advised you to, remember that steroids are for short term management of allergic problems only.
- Decongestant Sprays. These products can quickly reduce swelling of nasal tissues by shrinking the blood vessels. The short term effect of the medication can improve breathing and drainage; however, its long term effect can become highly addictive and can cause serious damage as well.
- Antihistamine Sprays. Just like oral antihistamines, they block histamine reactions and prevent allergic outbreaks. Unlike the former, however, these are applied topically to the nasal membranes. Research on the two options and find out which works better for you.
- Surgery. This is, in a way, the last resort. If there are structural problems with your nose and sinuses, you may have to need surgical correction done. Surgery is not a replacement for good allergy treatments and should only be considered if other more advisable alternatives fail.
Post-Nasal Drip is a common companion of a runny nose. Just like the latter, PND can be quite bothersome and gross, considering that trapped allergens and germs are disposed through the digestive system, that may cause you to swallow the mucus without even knowing it.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping up with your health status can provide you a better way to focus on life's more interesting and important aspects.
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