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Postnasal Drip (PND) may sound to be a trivial problem but it can be a source of nagging irritation. An annoying affliction that can impede a person’s day-to-day functioning, PND is a condition in which a person is constantly struggling with secretions in the throat. Postnasal Drip refers to mucus dripping from the back of the nose into the throat. It is also commonly termed as the upper airway cough syndrome. PND is attended with a constant urge to clear the throat as the flow of the fluid in the throat is irritating. Another offshoot of PND is that the irritants present in the secretions could initiate a cough reflex.
Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathic medicines for Postnasal Drip help treat the problem effectively. Homeopathy offers remedies for Postnasal Drip that are safe, successful and devoid of side-effects. Since homeopathy uses the body’s own defenses to combat infection, this line of treatment is comparatively non-intrusive. Another advantage these remedies enjoy over others is that they are toxin-free as they are drawn from natural substances.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Postnasal Drip
The best homeopathic medicines for PND are Hydrastis, Kali Bichrome, Corallium Rubrum, Natrum Mur, Hepar Sulph, Natrum Phos, Sticta, Merc Sol and Allium Cepa.
1. Hydrastis – For Postnasal Drip With Thick Ropy Secretion
I can vouch for the fact that homeopathy assures excellent treatment for Postnasal Drip. One of the top treatments in homeopathy for this condition is hydrastis. It is ideal for situations where the secretions are very thick, ropy and sticky in form. The secretions fall from the posterior nares into the throat. The patient complains of irritation due to a continuous feeling of mucus in the throat. There is a lot of hawking in an attempt to expel the mucus. Usually, thick, yellow mucus is expectorated. Both the nares become raw and the person has a constant urge to blow out from the nose. In case of Postnasal Drip in children, the kid is usually suddenly aroused from sleep due to thick, sticky droppings. The throat feels raw and there is a lot of burning sensation.
2. Kali Bichrome – For Post Nasal Drip With Sinusitis
It is another reliable remedy for Postnasal Drip. It is especially recommended in cases when the secretions are thick, green and ropy in nature. The patient hawks a lot to clear the throat. The root of the nose and the frontal sinus are inflamed, causing a lot of pain and distress to the patient.
3. Corallium Rubrum – For PND With Cough
Corallium Rubrum is a wonderful remedy that covers Postnasal Drip well. Corallium works well in cases where a lot of mucus is secreted through the posterior nares. The patient hawks up a lot of mucus. Along with this, there is cough that is dry and spasmodic. Other that this, there is Nasal Catarrh (nasal discharge from the front of the nose) with abundant secretions. This makes the inhaled air feel very cold.
4. Natrum Mur – To Manage PND Related To Cold Or Nasal Allergy
Natrum Mur is leading homeopathic medicine to help cases of PND associated with cold or nasal allergy. Those needing it complain of mucus dripping from the nose into the throat along with other symptoms of cold or nasal allergy. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and watering from eyes. Nose may be blocked sometimes.
5. Hepar Sulph – When PND Is Linked With Cold, Sinusitis
This medicine is beneficial when PND is associated with cold and sinusitis. In cases needing it, there is watery or thick discharge from nose along with sneezing. It gets triggered by cold air. The inhaled air feels cold inside the nose. The mucus dripping in the throat may be blood-stained.
6. Natrum Phos – For Managing Acid Reflux And PND
In cases where a person has acid reflux issues along with PND, this medicine can be considered. This medicine will work at treating acid reflux which is causing PND. When this medicine is required, thick yellow mucus is found dripping in the throat. It gets worse at night waking the sufferer from sleep. The person has to sit up to clear the throat. Besides, symptoms of acid reflux like heartburn, sour burps may be experienced.
7. Sticta – For PND, Blocked Nose And Fullness At the Root Of Nose
Sticta proves effective when there is dripping of mucus in posterior throat and blocked nose. Fullness at the root of the nose is prominent. Nasal blockage gets worse at night that disturbs sleep. There is mucus in the throat that dries soon forming scabs. There is an urge to blow nose but no discharge occurs.
8. Merc Sol – For Mucus Trickling In Throat Which Causes Hawking
Merc Sol is useful when a person complains of dripping of mucus in the throat with marked hawking. Hoarseness of voice may be an accompanying factor. Along with nasal discharge, sneezing may be present. The discharge from the nose is yellowish-green.
9. Allium Cepa – When Lumpy Mucus Passes From Nose Into Throat
Use of Allium Cepa is suggested when lumpy mucus passes from the nose into the throat. It is one of the key medicines which helps treat cases of nasal allergy. In such cases, discharge from nose occurs that cause burning in the nose and of the upper lips. It is accompanied by sneezing and non-irritating eye discharge.Homeopathy offers cures for post-nasal drip that are safe, successful and shorn of side-effects. Since homeopathy uses the body’s own defenses to combat infection, this line of treatment is comparatively non-intrusive. Another advantage these remedies enjoy over other cures is that they are toxin-free as they are drawn from natural substances.
Symptoms of Postnasal Drip
Postnasal Drip is characterized by excessive mucus production by the nasal mucosa. This mucus then collects in the back of the nose or the throat, giving rise to:
1. Sensation of mucus falling from the back of the nose
2. Hawking and an urge to clear throat frequently
3. A sore throat, and chronic cough
4. Hoarse voice
5. Bad breath
6. Painful ear infections
Causes of PND
It can be caused by multiple reasons which are as follows:
1. Cold, & flu: These are viral infections affecting the nose and the throat. Among these, flu is more severe than cold. These can cause PND along with other main symptoms of nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sneezing, sore throat, bodyaches, and fever.
2. Sinusitis: It refers to swelling and inflammation of air filled spaces within skull. It can lead to PND with other symptoms of headache, nasal discharge, nasal blockage, pain/ tenderness around eyes, cheeks, nose, forehead, sore throat, and cough.
3. Nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis): It refers to allergic response to a specific allergen (like dust mites, pollens) causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, stuffed nose. PND may accompany these symptoms.
4. Non allergic rhinitis: In this form of rhinitis, symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis appear but there is no allergic reaction.
5. DNS (deviated nasal septum): A condition in which the wall that divides nasal cavity into two halves is displaced to one side. As a result, one side of nasal cavity becomes small that hinders mucus drainage causing PND.
6. Gastric reflux: Back flow of stomach acid from the stomach into the food pipe, throat and the mouth
7. An object stuck in nose mainly in children can be one of the causes
8. Some medicines: Medicines that help treat high blood pressure, and birth control pills can trigger PND
9. Pregnancy
10. Swallowing disorder: In case of swallowing disorders, the root cause lies not in excess production of mucus but rather in inadequate clearance of the throat
11. Weather change, cold weather, dry air, and eating some food items like highly spicy food
Pathophysiology
Our nose and throat produce small amount of mucus continually. This mucus has three functions. Firstly, it keeps nasal membrane moist, secondly, it helps trap and filter any inhaled foreign matter (like virus and bacteria) and thirdly it fights infection. This mucus is being swallowed unaware by everyone. But when due to whatever reason the production of mucus increases, it starts to accumulate in the back of throat. When excessive or thick mucus drips down the throat from back of nose one gets aware of it. The irritating matter in mucus can activate receptors in respiratory tract resulting in protective cough.
Lifestyle Management Tips
1.Keep yourself hydrated. Take warm drinks, hot tea, warm soup. This will help to thin the mucus and prevent dehydration
2. Sleep with head elevated that will help mucus drainage
3. If one has allergies, use dust mite proof cover for mattress, and pillows. Wash bedsheets, pillow covers frequently with hot water.
4. If acid reflux triggers PND, avoid spicy food; the last meal of the day should be taken at least two hours before bedtime.
Hi there… my husband suffers from post nasal drip, which irritates his throat and he ends up coughing. It sounds like a dry, irritable, rasping in the throat… no chest pain. He feels that it might end up on his chest as bronchitis because it has happened before. He is quite an irritable person himself and is impatient with others and himself. any assistance would be appreciated. kind regards, elizabeth
Hi Sir
I live in Delhi. I am 50 year old health male. Since last many years, at the onset of winter, I develop sore throat. It lasts for 5-7 days. After sore throat is cured, I face throats issues with symptoms of Post Nasal Drip. I have clear starch like white mucous Saltish in taste. this I need to clear frequently by coughing and spitting all day. The problem is most severe in the morning as soon as I leave the bed. It seems that mucous gets accumulated in the night and and a longish bout of coughing is needed before throat is cleared. Then. During the entire time I am taking bath. There is lots and lots of coughing with white foam like mucous. Whenever there is sudden change in temperature, same thing happens. Whole days, I feel as if something in stuck deep in throat and I keep coughing to clear the throat. Lastly, when I go to bed in night same thing repeats. Although night sleep is very peaceful with no trouble. This problem remains during entire winter and gets cured around HOLI. During entire summer, I face absolutely no problem but next winter, same things repeat.
I take TeleactD every day before breakfast for BP. Other than this, I am not taking any medicine as I have tried all allopathic medicines in the past with no benefits but sometimes making matter worse by drying up mucous.
Kindly help me
All above are almost same symptoms like I have clear starch like white mucous Saltish in taste. this I need to clear frequently by coughing and spitting all day. The problem is most severe in the morning as soon as I leave the bed. It seems that mucous gets accumulated in the night and and a longish bout of coughing is needed before throat is cleared. Then. During the entire time I am taking bath. There is lots and lots of coughing with white foam like mucous. I am taking asthma medicine 1. Singulair 10 mg. 1 tab every night. Seretiide accuingaler 1 pouf 2 times. Tiova rotocap 1 everyday. Suggest what to do for relief
I had taken otrivin after 5 mins of taking homeopathic medicine
Hello Dr Sharma, I am suffering from post nasal drip past 8 months !! Is there any medicine to cure it 🙁 I am tired !! Of it . I have been tested for allergies !!! It came out negative !!
Did you get any remedy for this?
Dr. Sharma,
Is there a remedy for (a) Weight Loss and (b) Bloating and gas ? (c) Diabetes
Greetings, Dr. Sharma,
I have suffered with a thick, postnasal drip for the past 27 years! In addition, about 8 years ago, I developed a chronic tickle in my throat that triggered an occasional hard cough throughout the day and which I controlled to some degree with throat lozenges or commercial daytime remedies. I am also constantly trying to clear my throat to relieve both the drip and the tickle. There is a constant sensation of a blob of mucus in the area of my right nose/throat in a position such that I cannot swallow it nor blow it out or expectorate it. It interferes with comfortable breathing at night. When I am able to produce a small expectoration, its color is clear. Mostly, it just sits there as I endure it until it slides down my throat, at which time I choke on it until it goes down, and then quickly replaces itself in the same position of my throat.
I have tried all kinds of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, and extended elimination diets and cleanses to no avail. I have been tested and treated for allergies and asthma with no success. I even tried nasal turbinate reduction surgery, for which I only received a doctor bill.
Currently, I obtain some relief at night by taking a dose of extra strength Nyquil boosted occasionally as needed with an Afrin type spray that opens the airway at least enough to enable me to sleep. Of course, the Afrin spray backfires with a boomerang effect after using it a couple of days.
My wife recently picked up an over-the-counter homeopathic Daytime Cough & Bronchial Syrup produced by Boericke & Tafel. It seemed to relieve both a significant portion of the nasal drainage and the constant tickle in my throat for a short period of time (about 90 minutes) before I had to take another dose. However, there seemed to be a boomerang effect here to, where after the good effect wore off, the cough came back stronger. Nonetheless, it was a clue that led me to your website. The ingredients of this medication are as follows:
Aconitum napellus 3X
Bronia alba 3X
Hepar sulphuris 6X
Spongia tosta 3X
Stannum metallicum 6C
We have purchased the nighttime version of this over the Internet but have not yet received it, hoping it might be helpful when I sleep. I am asking your opinion about this medication, but more importantly, asking you if you can help me follow this lead to a more permanent solution. Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Arnie Gentile (helloarnie@hotmail.com; (847-921-0901)
Dr. Sharma:
Prednisone is the only medicine that brings me back to normal breathing, sleeping and suppressing the cough that develops as a reflex of my post-nasal dripping.
Sometimes I need an antibiotic along when conditions worsen.
I don’t ignore the pernicious secondary effects of Prednisone.
I want to exit the vicious circle.
What is your recommendation? — Thanks!
Dear Doctor Sharma,
1. I am suffering from throat irritation and cough for quite a few years.
2. The cause was diagnosed as Post Nasal Backdrops and Acid Reflux by Allopathic Medical Practitioners. Whenever I take Allopathic medicine for that it gets controlled and reoccurs once the medicine is stopped.
3. I am 60 Years of age, lean body, 175 Cm Height and 70 Kg of body weight.
4. May I seek your advise on homeopathic cure for this.
Thanks and regards.
Brig Pankaj Sinha,SM,VSM
Dr. Sharma
Sat shri akal.
I have the problem of post nasal discharge. In the morning I have to draw and throw it out two or three times. It is yellowish greenish or rarely white. It is sticky. Throat clearing tendency remains throughout the day. Sometimes I have to clear the sticky secretion immediately after sipping tea or taking meals. It looks odd to clear the throat repeatedly. No cough.
No Any other problem.
Please prescribe the remedy that is available in my city Moga Punjab. Thank you.
Dr. Sharma
Sat shri akal.
I have the problem of post nasal discharge. In the morning I have to draw and throw it out two or three times. It is yellowish greenish or rarely white. It is sticky. Throat clearing tendency remains throughout the day. Sometimes I have to clear the sticky secretion immediately after sipping tea or taking meals. It looks odd to clear the throat repeatedly. No cough.
No Any other problem.
Please prescribe the remedy that is available in my city Moga Punjab. Thank you.
My son has 5years and suffering from running nose. No fever, no cough. But wheezing at night. Can u please suggest me the reason and medicine
Dr. sharma My son who is 4 suffers from cronic post nasal drip. He constantly clears his throat. He was put on Singular for 6 months and a puffer of steroids for inflamation. In the winter he develops a dry whooping cough and he always ends up having dexamethasone injections, we have been trying homeopathy for the last 3 months but he is still clearing his throat contantly. We have tried Thuja and Pulsatilla 30 c. What would you recomend for his case?
Dr Sharma I am retired vety surgeon aged 65 . I m suffering from allergic post nasal drip with thick white mucous always dripping from back nares to my throat. I take mucolytic medicines mucinac 600 to thin the mucous. along with many ayurvedic med Bresol. Also tried varios decongestant but no result. I have tried hydrastis also. Will u suggest some suitable medicine
I have clear starch like white mucous Satish in taste. Drops from posterior mares or drawn from mouth. Must clear frequently.
My name is Suraj and have had this problem for the last 10 years .I had two operation of nasal pollyps in the year 2008 and 2010 bit the problem reoccur again and again…….Now may be to my understanding I can evaluate the problem is perhaps post nasal drip. Please suggest what to do to eradicate this problem from root.
Thanks in anticipation.
Hi have suffered from”post nasal drip” for 3 years. Constant swallowing of phlegm and clearing throat I have no nose blockage and phlegm is clear and non viscous.Am scheduled for surgery sopposedly to straighten deviated septum which I assume I have had from birth have tried all manner in f prescribed and over the counter drugs as well as natural remedies can you adviseI have allways had nasal problems snore horribly and have sleep apnea am at a loss what to do as per pending surgery
Kind regards Ian allows
I have chronic cough combined with sinus congestion. Iam 35 with otherwise reasonable health. I have taken ayurvedic herbal treatment mainly ginger with honey and some steaming
1- coughing in the mornings
2- Also during temperature change.
3- Catch cold on taking cold drinks.
Do you think Kali Bicarb will help? What potency and frequency? Or any other recommendations.
I hv lost my sense of smell almost 20 years ago. There is constant cough in my throat which I need to clean regularly. I also use baking soda,salt nd warm water to clean my nose. Please suggest mr d best medicine
hi doctor, M 33 years old female. From last 5 months i m feeling mucus in between my nose and throat. I had bad flu with fever and cough in august 2016. Since then my throat and nose symptoms doesn’t go away. Before it was too much throat clearing.i have used so many medicines along with homeo med kali bichrom and hydrastis for 1 week. My throat problem is not bad like before but i m still having issues like cough at night ,, feeling mucus all th time at the back of throat, nasal congestion…throat tightness.
What should i do?
Should i have to take again kali bichrom or any thing also
Also we want to plan for baby, is it safe to take
Please reply
hi doctor, my name is Gagan kaur. M 32 years old. From last 5 months i m feeling mucus in between my nose and throat. I had bad flu with fever and cough in august 2016. Since then my throat and nose symptoms doesn’t go away. Before it was too much throat clearing.i have used so many medicines along with homeo med kali bichrom and hydrastis for 1 week. My throat problem is not bad like before but i m still having issues like cough at night ,, feeling mucus all th time at the back of throat, nasal congestion…throat tightness.
What should i do?
Should i have to take again kali bichrom or any thing also
Also we want to plan for baby, is it safe to take
Please reply
Dear Dr, Sharma,
About a 2 weeks ago I had a bad dose of flu with a chesty cough and runny nose and have not been able to get rid of it. I cannot take anything that contains pseudoeopehedrine because I take medication for high blood pressure. I am going overseas in the beginning of May and I would like to get rid of this runny nose, post nasal drip and cough as soon as possible.
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.
Good day Dr. sharma,
Any suggestion for elderly dementia? My 87 years old mother develop dementia about 2 years ago.
Regards
Dr. Sharma, please help and advise. I have severe cough, constantly clear my throat due to irritation. Have done lot of nasal spray and antibiotics. Relief till I wss on medication. Now again suffering same cough and throat irritation. Xray reveals I have Sinusitis. Please help and advise any homeopathic medication. Have tried Rumex 30, Heparsulf200, Teucrium 1M, Kali Bichrome. Still no relief. I am very hopeful that homeopathy surely has a remedy for me. Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Dr Sharma,
I am a relatively healthy 62 year old. I have suffered with skin rashes face, arms and body ever since a bout of Ross River fever 25 years ago. It seems that whenever I get a bout of Ross River Fever or Glandular fever it comes out through my skin in the form of a red rash that turns dry and itchy after several days. The challenge I am having is that the rash seems to persist now and my skin cycles continuously from red to dry, itchy and scaly to red to dry, itchy and scaly, especially on my arms, wrists, left side of the face and body. I have to continually keep the skin moist with organic chemical free skin lotions but nothing seems to break the cycle. I addition to this and I am not sure if related, I have a very mucousy throat which I cannot expel and continuous throat clearing especially after I sneeze!
I am also suffering from same issue and would have loved to read a response but alas, the doctor does not appear to respond to any of these posts (at least not publicly) 🙁
Dr sharma
I’ve suffered with post nasal drip but in the form of thin mucas running down the back of my throat especially at night in bed.
I’ve had a a few colds since October and now loss off taste and smell, is there a remedy I can buy over the counter?
Thank you