What is the best otc for post nasal drip?

Are you tired of feeling like a runny nose is sabotaging your life? Do you dread waking up in the morning because you know a clogged-up nose awaits? Does sniffling make phone conversations or meetings unmanageable? Fear not, dear reader! This article will provide solutions that will make all those unseemly symptoms disappear, and without needing to go crying to your doctor.

What is Post Nasal Drip?

Postnasal what? Yes, we hear you – this term sounds more like gibberish than an actual condition. We’ll try our best to explain in layman’s terms. Post nasal drip occurs when excess mucus builds up in the back of your throat rather than exiting through your nostrils. It can be caused by allergies, infections such as sinusitis, colds or flu viruses, spicy foods or changes in temperature and humidity.

The result of post-nasal drip are familiar: Runny noses which don’t seem to stop anytime soon; tickle at the back of throat that may persistently cause coughing; sore throats; hoarseness etcetera.

A quick overview on OTC drugs

Before diving into specific medication for managing post nasal drips symptoms let’s step back for a moment:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications refers basically provides treatment for minor ailments without requiring a prescription from healthcare personnel.Often time they include painkillers like aspirin/paracetamol/Ibuprofen ,cough suppressants/decongestants/antihistamines among others.

Ranging from pills/capsules/tablets/sprays/drops -all ingested orally/on mucous membranes.
Admittedly these drugs come with side effects which vary from individual-to-individual depending on pre-existing conditions /other drugs consumed.
Mild side effects range from Drowsiness ,Dry mouth/Nasal Irritation,Blurred Vision & Delayed reaction time etcetera.
Severe reactions like Anaphylaxis may be too difficult to ignore especially considering the need for self-diagnosis when it comes to OTC.

Options To Manage Your Post Nasal Drip

Now that we have a clear understanding of post nasal drip as well as over-the-counter medication, let’s us now delve into specific cures :

Degongestants

Decongestants are medications designed to relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages and reducing inflammation. They come in different forms such as pills or sprays all containing either Pseudoephedrine/Phenylephrine . The effectiveness however decreases if used pass their suggested duration (more than seven days) of usage.

Saline solution + Nasal rinse:

This involves a saline nose rinse(anti-septic solution added to water) which works wonders:it helps rid dry mucus/irritants on nose lining by keeping moist while improving breathing.The act also serve(s) up instant relief after some scrupulous flushing with Netipot/Bulb syringe alike.

Things you’ll need for preparing your own homemade saline solution:

  • A cup /teapot/pitcher
  • Salt [preferably organic]
  • Baking soda (optional)
  • Distilled/bottled/cooled boiled water(preferably)

Neti Pot rinses can be done daily for best outcomes.Learn how here!

Important Note: Please ensure all apparatus eg.Neti pot are cleaned before each use & do not interrupt essential functions like flying(which often leads sinus pressure).

Antihistamines

Antihistamines function block smooth muscle contraction thereby alleviating symptoms caused by allergies.This OTCs medication aims at reducing sneezing and alleviate runny noses,hay fever-all related symptoms.

Please note that antihistamines can come with some side effects which include drowsiness. Thus it is recommended to take them at night or only use non-drowsy types(Zyrtec/Allegra) on a daytime bustling scenario .

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful steroid medications used for curing inflammation(of cells)and also sometimes offered as an OTC nasal spray (eg.Flonase/Nasacort).The drugs work by stopping histamines before they start producing alot of mucus;thereby reducing swelling inside the nose in general.
For best results of this short-term option,it is advised to consume after/during meals while being sure notto blow your nost(s/h)rils right afterwards.

Natural Ways To Manage Post Nasal Drip :

While there are various medicines catered to suppress postnasal drips, natural remedies may be preferred if you’re not one into popping pills during every instance of mild discomforts. Below we’ve provided tried-and-tested methods:

Steam therapy

One ancient method used against nasal congestions! If flying through dry & stuffy air has caused nasopharyngitis ,taking steam inhalation helps moisturize breathing passage -lessening irritation from dried mucus.Making the process a lot quicker: Place hot(ZZZzzz) water in bowl,drape towel over head,breathe deeply for five minutes.Endure produced sweat until relieved!(Note: Avoid placing head too close).

Preferably try adding Essential oils like peppermint /Eucalyptus both possessing anti-inflammatory properties & decongestant abilities- simply add few drops directly into boiling water,inhale steam..

The Tapping Method

Simply “tapping” around your eyes/nose/cheeks area repeatedly for about four times will get things flowing again! The tapping helps release dried-up accumulations of mucus and trigger the sinuses to loosen up; reducing dire sensations like headaches/sinus pressure.

Drink more water

Drinking plenty of water daily helps avoid hard,crusty dry mucous thus somehow indirectly combat post-nasal drip. Flu sufferers stand a chance against dehydrations –bad enough of its own- by ensuring staying amply hydrated.Admittedly this may seem obvious as it is an unequivocal fundamental rule when considering good health practices – but falls prey mainly due to our busy lifestyle.

Note: Try avoiding cold drinks while you’re experiencing nasal dripping.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],’google-sheets-tutorials_com-large-mobile-banner-1′,’ezslot_9′,116,’0′,’0′]));

Congestion relief techniques which work hand in hand with OTC & Natural Remedies

Some methods complement the use of OTC or natural remedies making treatment (quicker,better).Here are a few that’ll bring some real relief:

Hot showers:

Steaming hot showers can effectively aid in loosening clogged nostrils.Alternatively one could have access only to hot water bottles for 10 minutes(bliss!) on their chest ,back or sinuses region.

TIP: Adding Eucalyptus/Peppermint oils into your bathing water adds scent spa-like aroma(while maximum relaxation benefits accrue) and extra strength relievers.(Also might revamp relationship momentum 😉

Conclusion :

We all know how precious easy breathing actually is.Even during seasonal flu outbreaks,coughs,sneezes,stuffy noses aren’t adventuresome good times-feverishly resulting in inadequate sleep patterns/stress.We need perfect balance.Juggling between these medication options and/or natural remedy do help despite each method’s individual limitations.Learn what comes most comfortably closer (OTC/Self-help remedies) and keep living life to the fullest-without pesky symptoms of postnasal drip.

Random Posts