Nasopharyngeal drip occurs when excess mucus builds up in the back of the throat, creating the sensation of a runny substance. This disorder can lead to chronic cough or sore throat. Treatment focuses on the cause of the excess mucus, which can be an allergic reaction or non-allergic rhinitis. A visit to the doctor is essential to determine the cause of the disorder and to establish the strategy for relieving symptoms.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Eliminate Allergens from the Environment
Step 1. Eliminate all allergens from the environment if possible
For example, dust, pollen, animal hair, and mold can irritate the nasal passages causing nasopharyngeal drip.
- Bathe your pets to get rid of hair and dandruff that could cause irritation. Remove pets from the house if the allergic reaction and nasopharyngeal drip is severe.
- Remove plants (flowering or not) from your home.
- Place unused pillows and mattresses in plastic bags to minimize the spread of allergens while you sleep.
Step 2. Use a purifier to remove irritants from the environment
A humidifier helps make the air more humid, relieving irritation of the nasal passages that produce excess mucus when inflamed.
Step 3. See an allergist or do allergy tests
Chronic nasopharyngeal drip could be caused by a latent food allergy that you didn't notice or that you have recently developed. Book a visit to an allergist to find out if you are allergic to anything.
- The two most common allergies are those to gluten and dairy products. Dairy allergy is often linked to sinusitis, upper respiratory and throat problems, while gluten intolerance is often associated with gastrointestinal tract disorders.
- Since dairy products are often the cause of these problems, try to avoid them for a month. If you notice improvement in your symptoms, your body is reacting to dairy products by producing more mucus, although there hasn't been a proven link between dairy products and mucus production.
Part 2 of 3: Doctor Recommended Treatments
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body
Dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis and nasopharyngeal drip. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they cause dehydration. Water is always the best choice for hydration in these cases.
Check your urine to see if you are getting enough water throughout the day. If they're yellow, you're probably not drinking enough. If the color is lighter, with a slight yellowish hue, you are probably drinking enough water
Step 2. Blow your nose frequently to remove excess mucus from the nasal cavity
Blowing your nose is helpful in removing irritants that cause mucus to build up. If you can't get rid of it all, you can try sniffling and spitting it out of your throat, thus avoiding bad breath and dry mouth.
Step 3. Do nasal washes to remove mucus causing irritation
At the pharmacy you can buy nasal sprays and saline washes without a prescription. The latter free the nasal cavities of irritants, reducing mucus and relieving disorders of the membranes of the nose.
Try the neti pot to clear mucus from the sinuses and throat. Be careful though, because washing the breasts can also eliminate the antimicrobial agents that protect us from bacteria, viruses and fungi
Step 4. Use an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve symptoms caused by mucus buildup and nasopharyngeal drip
Oral decongestants constrict blood vessels by reducing buildup in the nasal cavity. They are also available in a spray version.
Step 5. Use decongestants for only three days in a row
If symptoms do not subside after three days, stop using the medications as they may aggravate the situation.
Step 6. Eliminate mucus with expectorants
Medicines such as Mucinex (with guaifenesin) do not require a prescription and can be taken in tablet or syrup form.
Step 7. Ask your doctor about prescription medications to reduce irritation and mucus buildup
He may score you corticosteroids, antihistamines, and nasopharyngeal drip sprays.
- Corticosteroid sprays treat inflammation caused by non-allergic rhinitis.
- Antihistamine sprays are effective against allergic rhinitis that cause nasopharyngeal drip, but they have no effect if the cause is not related to an allergy.
- Anticholinergics are drugs used in asthma and are also useful against nasopharyngeal drip.
Part 3 of 3: Unsure Natural Remedies
Step 1. Gargle with salt water
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 250ml of warm or warm water and use this solution to gargle by tilting your head back. To get rid of more mucus, add the juice of half a lemon as well.
Step 2. Do the major cleaning
If allergens are the source of the problem, a thorough cleaning of your home is not to be underestimated! Try the following methods to get rid of dust, pollen and hair before they cause you any trouble:
- Wash your clothes, sheets, pillow cases, and mattresses regularly with boiling water to kill the bacteria that cause the problem.
- Use HEPA filters at home. The acronym HEPA (from the English High Efficiency Particulate Air filter) indicates a particular filtration system with high efficiency of fluids and represents a standard in the European community.
- Vacuum regularly with absolute filters or true HEPA filters that ensure the absorption of allergens.
Step 3. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
They contain substances that increase mucus production.
Step 4. Take advantage of the beneficial effects of steam along with herbs and essential oils
You can do it safely at home. Boil some water in a saucepan, remove it from the heat and, staying at a safe distance, bring your towel-covered head closer to breathe in the steam. You can add herbs, flavored tea (with ginger, mint or chamomile) or essential oils (lavender, rosemary, etc.).
Take a hot shower. Breathe in the steam produced by the hot water to clear your lungs and sinuses
Step 5. Try lime cure
For this remedy, you need 3 teacups (or a rather large one) and boiling water. Add some sugar and some honey. Add the juice of half a dark green lime. Drink the mixture in the morning when you wake up and on an empty stomach. The lime will cleanse your liver and stomach (filled with mucus that has built up during the night) and give you energy to face the day.
Warnings
- Decongestants can cause high blood pressure, palpitations, insomnia, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than three to four days to relieve symptoms of nasopharyngeal drip. Drugs can also trigger congestion and repeat the same symptoms, this time aggravated.
- Steroid drugs can cause severe side effects when used for a long time. The doctor should monitor the patient while using these drugs.
