Sinus drainage in your throat (also known as post-nasal drip) is the annoying feeling of mucus stuck in the back of your throat. It can make you feel like you constantly need to clear your throat or can’t swallow well.
Drainage in your throat isn’t an unusual thing. There are several common reasons why excess mucus gathers in your nose and drips down into your throat. These causes include sinus infections, allergies, colds, and irritants like smoke or pollution. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with it. Here’s how to get rid of sinus drainage and get back to feeling normal.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier for your body to flush it out. You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try warm drinks like herbal teas to soothe your throat and reduce drainage.
Use A Nasal Rinse
Nasal irrigation involves flushing out your nose with a saline solution. This removes mucus and allergens from your nasal passages. You can clear your nose with a neti pot or squeeze bottle. Remember to use sterile or distilled water to prevent sinus infections! Regularly using a nasal rinse can reduce your sinus drainage symptoms.
Try Steam Therapy
Inhaling steam can moisten your nasal passages and loosen mucus. Hop in a hot shower or lean over a bowl of steaming water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to create a spa-like experience (and to help loosen things up even more).
Elevate Your Head
When you have excess sinus drainage, you may wake up in the mornings feeling worse than you did when you went to bed. At night, try propping yourself up with an extra pillow or two. Sleeping slightly elevated helps gravity work in your favor, keeping everything draining the way it should and preventing drainage from pooling in your throat and causing a coughing fit in the morning cough.
Avoid Triggers
Sinus drainage often gets worse if you’re around things like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or dusty environments. If you can, steer clear of these irritants to help minimize your symptoms.
Get Over-the-Counter Relief
Sometimes, you need a little more than nasal rinses and steam. Decongestants can reduce swelling in your nasal passages, and antihistamines can help with allergy-related drainage. However, you should only use them if you’ve cleared it with your doctor. Carefully follow the dosage instructions since too much medication for too long can lead to even more congestion.
Talk To A Specialist
If you’ve tried everything and that stubborn sinus drainage isn’t budging, it might be time to call a specialist, such as an ENT. Dr. David Santos is an ear, nose, and throat doctor at Sinusitis in Seattle. He has worked with his patients to help improve all kinds of sinus issues. Dr. Santos will diagnose and treat your sinus condition, whether you need medications or something like balloon sinuplasty to open up your sinuses and get things flowing again.
Trust Sinusitis In Seattle With Your Sinus Health
Taking proactive steps to manage sinus drainage can help improve your comfort and daily life. If you’re struggling with chronic symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.
For personalized care and effective treatment options, book a consultation with Dr. David Santos at Sinusitis in Seattle. You can schedule an appointment by calling (206) 242-3696 or filling out our online contact form.