How to stop post nasal drip from a cold?

So, you woke up with a stuffed nose and thought it was just allergies. But as the day progresses, you realized that your throat feels sore and inflamed while your head’s starting to throb like someone’s using it for a drum set. You now have cold symptoms.

As if the inconvenience of having blocked nostrils wasn’t enough, post nasal drip comes into play too. Whether the cause is viral or bacterial (in rare cases), this article will help answer some FAQs such as “what is post nasal drip?” and “how can I stop my coughing fit after lying down?”

What Causes Post Nasal Drip in Colds?

First things first: what is post nasal drip? When people say they’re experiencing this symptom, what they mean is that mucus builds up at the back of their throats instead of flowing out seamlessly through their noses.

For those who don’t know yet, when we get sick (i.e., common colds,) our bodies’ natural defense mechanisms work hard to fight off invading pathogens (organisms that cause diseases) such as viruses or bacteria.

One way our immune system manifests its response is by producing excessive mucus along with inflammation in specific areas within our respiratory tracts such as:

  • Sinuses
  • Throat
  • Lungs

Since this process occurs pretty much every time we catch an infection (thanks but no thanks!), it isn’t surprising why post nasal drips are becoming one of life’s constants whenever we need tissues more than usual.

However, aside from flu-related diseases and other infections causing irritation on some parts mentioned above,post-nasal drips may also happen:
– due to allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
– eating spicy food
– air pollution exposure

Now that you understand better ‘why’ let us dive down towards the how of this issue.

How to Stop Post Nasal Drip from a Cold?

Since colds and their symptoms are viral-driven, they tend to run through the system for about five to ten days or until the immune system has successfully gotten rid of them. That means any medication that you take will mostly focus on relieving the symptoms – not curing the sickness itself (bummer, I know).

Anyway, here are some ways that can help ease post nasal drips:

1. Saline-Based Solutions

Saline sprays or rinses may help in thinning the mucus stuck at inaccessible areas such as your sinuses.

Think of saltwater solution bathing your nostrils followed by an invigorating sneeze wherein all those boogers come out like fireworks with confetti – only less colorful and definitely less fun.

Congestion be gone!

2. Humidity is Your Ally

Add moisture into the air environment by either using a humidifier or steamy shower session since dry air tends to irritate one’s throat further (uncomfortable bummer!). Make sure also to clean your humidifiers regularly to avoid bacteria build up that can harm instead of assisting us towards recovery—you don’t want added misery from infections now do you?

3. Oral Decongestant Medications & Antihistamines

Decongestants work great if you’re experiencing mild-to-moderate congestion but take note: long term usage has possible side effects together with other risks (high blood pressure included). ‘Nuff said!

On another note, antihistamines lessen inflammation inside our noses due to allergies which sometimes trigger post-nasal drip symptom.This magic comes at a price though – drowsiness! Plan activities accordingly when taking these types of medications especially If road trips involve driving time ahead.

Last but not least, consider merely asking your physician regarding medication recommendation to ensure proper dosage, counteraction indications, and genuineness of drug quality. You are not a guinea pig after all.

4. Keep Yourself Hydrated

It isn’t an unknown concept that enough water intake helps keep our bodies healthy!

Drinking more fluids such as warm soups, tea honey-lemon mixes is excellent for treating post-nasal drips too (yay something enjoyable!). It works by thinning the mucus and making it easier to eliminate it via sneezing or blowing your nose— don’t drink milk though; the already thickened phlegm will thicken further (YACKS!)

Before we go ahead with other steps on keeping hydrated through special drinks let us first proceed towards what needs avoidance during these times.

What Should I Avoid When Experiencing Post Nasal Drips from a Cold?

Even as you follow tips to manage this inconvenience caused by the common cold and flu, some things may worsen sore throats while drying out one’s nasal passages

Here are ‘some random but useful dos’ when dealing correctly with throat irritants:

  • Steer clear of possible irritants like smoke whether from tobacco use or grilling outside.
  • Alcohol does tend to dry up any part of our bodies exposed due downside include dehydration headaches etc.
  • Dairy products most especially Milk-thickens up existing mucus build-up resulting statement ‘no call no(Y)text’ when experiencing colds..
    -The same goes true also for chocolate containing caffeine elements which emphasize inflammation occurring in sinus cavities adjacent connected areas mentioned earlier.

As hindrances get pretty much enumerated now that We’ve warned ourselves against misadventures better steer right own towards quenching thirst levels without worsening symptoms:

1. Lemon-Honey Drinks anyone?

Lemon has citrus properties great for relieving congestion while mixing it with honey adds antimicrobial features that benefit our throat from losing patience at us! All you’ll need is to add hot water to fresh lemon juice and drizzle honey on top – now isn’t it lovely?

2. Ginger ale-ginger tea anyone?(yes ginger has friends too!)

This relative of turmeric and cumin mixed into boiling water can do marvelous tricks for digestive issues especially during nausea incidents paired with decongestant effects making ginger a welcome addition nourishment-wise.

You didn’t think carbonated drinks are your usual go-to? Well, even the American Lung Association advocates for drinking clear soft drinks like Sprite or Sierra Mist when experiencing congestion since these types are mild on one’s hydration levels as compared to most high caffeine soda brands (someone give them an endorsement deal already!)

I may sound exciting throughout the entire write-up but always remember there’s no denying reality knocks hard in certain situations.

Seeking Medical Help

Suppose symptoms worsen over time and intensify resulting from respiratory complications (such as asthma)or infection (pneumonia). In that case, it might be best considered getting medical attention as soon possible without waiting until things turn out worse since what was once manageable has become life-threatening.

Takeaway

Postnasal drips are no joke-making phenomena aside from being frustrating beyond belief;their irritation mainly happens due sickness yet controllable through monitored treatments

The next time you wake up feeling sick or source about post-nasal drip cure demand consideration… at least say “thanks!” to your immune system because both parties try their best in keeping us all healthy regardless of our thankless attitudes towards them.

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