Post-Nasal Drip Treatments Based on 6 Causes

Allergies, Infections, Acid Reflux, and More

Post-nasal drip, also called upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), is a common disorder. It can be caused by colds, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions.

It happens when the amount or quality of the mucus that's typically produced in the airways has changed and is now causing irritation. Knowing how to treat post-nasal drip from GERD, or one of its other causes, will depend on the specific diagnosis and your healthcare provider's advice.

This article explains post-nasal drip and some common symptoms that occur. It looks at six possible causes of post-nasal drip, including acid reflux, and some ways your symptoms can be treated at home.

 Verywell / Julie Bang 

What Is Post-Nasal Drip?

Our bodies are constantly producing mucus, and not just in our airways. It's found in the digestive tract and other organs where glands produce mucin. Mucin is the substance that, along with water, makes up our mucus. In the airway, it traps germs and other debris to keep it out of the lungs.

Mucus drains down the back of our throats all the time. It usually doesn't bother us, and most of the time we aren't aware of it. Post-nasal drip occurs when abnormally thin or thick mucus becomes noticeable.

It causes the sensation of having a "drip" in the back of the throat, which also may come with the need to clear your throat often. Some people complain of a chronic cough but research on its connection with post-nasal drip and GERD is inconclusive, and roughly 40% of chronic cough cases in adults have no medical explanation.

When treating post-nasal drip at home, you may need to vary your approach depending on whether the mucus is thick or thin.

Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can cause post-nasal drip. GERD occurs when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus, and there's some evidence to suggest that acid in the esophagus triggers excess mucus production in the airways.

GERD is worse when you lie down because gravity makes it easier for irritating stomach acid to "backwash" into the esophagus and back of the throat. The acids that lead to post-nasal drip also can cause sore throat and laryngitis. If acid reflux persists, see a healthcare provider.

To treat post-nasal drip caused by GERD at home:

  • Try an over-the-counter antacid, such as Tums or Prilosec (omeprazole).
  • Don't eat before bedtime.
  • Avoid trigger foods, such as chocolate, fizzy drinks, or spicy foods.
  • Sleep in an elevated position instead of lying flat.
  • Reduce your symptoms with hot tea or other home remedies for post-nasal drip.
  • Try a saline spray. A neti pot also may help.

How to Treat Post-Nasal Drip From GERD

Changing your diet is the most effective way to reduce reflux-related post-nasal drip. Foods to avoid include citrus, tomatoes, onions, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Also, do not eat within three hours of lying down, especially at bedtime. In some cases, you may also benefit from losing weight, taking GERD medication like proton pump inhibitors, or even surgery.

Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Allergies

You may notice post-nasal drip during hay fever (allergic rhinitis) season. Here are ways to treat post-nasal drip caused by allergies:

  • Try an antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Claritin (loratadine).
  • If you know what causes your allergies, avoid any of your allergy triggers at home.
  • If you do not know the cause, see an allergist or immunologist for a diagnosis and treatment.
  • If you suffer from pollen allergies, keep your windows closed during pollen season. Take a shower to remove pollen that may have landed on your clothes or in your hair.
  • Decongestants such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) can be used for adults, but don't use them for more than three days in a row. This will help you to avoid rebound congestion.
  • Newer nasal sprays, such as Nasonex (mometasone), are available by prescription. They can be used on a longer-term basis than many decongestants.

Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Infections

Post-nasal drip can be caused by infections. They include the common cold, RSV, influenza, and sinusitis. It's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out the need for antibiotics, but at home you can try:

  • Decongestants, including pseudoephedrine and Afrin (oxymetazoline), but avoid using them for longer than three days
  • Drinking as much water or other fluids as possible
  • Using vapor rubs, cough drops, or other products containing menthol
  • Using a humidifier and nasal saline mist that can help to thin mucus

Can COVID-19 Cause Post-Nasal Drip?

Yes. COVID-19 can cause nasal congestion that results in mucus and post-nasal drip. However, other common conditions can cause this sensation. A more common nasal-related effect of COVID is the loss of the sense of smell.

Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Medications

Some medications, such as birth control or blood pressure drugs, can cause post-nasal drip as a side effect. Many side effects will ease the longer that you take a medication. But it may be that the only way to avoid this side effect is by not taking the drug.

That said, you should first talk to a healthcare provider before you stop taking any medication. You also should speak to your provider or a pharmacist about possible drug interactions. Don't take any medications for post-nasal drip, even over-the-counter or alternative products, without letting them know.

At home, you can try:

  • Humidifiers
  • Saline mist
  • Neti pots
  • Avoiding dairy if mucus is thick
  • Avoiding spicy foods if mucus is thin
  • Drinking plenty of water

Treating Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Structural (Anatomical) Abnormalities

Post-nasal drip can be caused by your anatomy. Some people have structural abnormalities of the nose and sinuses. Symptoms typically last longer than a few weeks.

In this case, you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) to find out if you need corrective surgery. Typical surgeries may include:

Your specialist also can talk to you about ways to manage your post-nasal drip at home if you are unable or unwilling to have surgery, or until the procedure can be done.

Post-Nasal Drip Caused by Hormones

Changes in your body's hormone levels also may be a cause of post-nasal drip. For example, pregnancy-induced rhinitis, or hormonal rhinitis, is a common cause of post-nasal drip in those who are pregnant.

If you are pregnant, do not take any drugs to treat post-nasal drip without talking to your healthcare provider. At home, a pregnant person can safely manage the symptoms with:

  • Humidifiers
  • Saline mist
  • Neti pots

If your hormonal changes are caused by menopause or another condition, you can use the home remedies discussed in this article. Do see your healthcare provider to talk about options such as hormone replacement therapy.

Summary

With post-nasal drip, the amount or quality of mucus you feel in your throat becomes noticeable. It's often caused by things like the common cold or allergies, and it may come with a cough or other symptoms.

You won't always need to see a healthcare provider to manage it, and you can try some of the home remedies discussed here. In some cases, though, the post-nasal drip may be a symptom associated with a more serious condition, like a structural abnormality in your nose or a medication side effect.

GERD, or acid reflux, is one such example. You can treat post-nasal drip from GERD but still need to treat the underlying condition. A healthcare provider can help you to find the cause of your post-nasal drip and get relief.

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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading

By Kristin Hayes, RN
Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.