Home > Conditions / Ailments > PostNasal Drip > General Description Post nasal drip is an annoying complication of various respiratory ailments and generally disappears after the primary ailment clears up. Mucus is a normal product of the nasal passages, but when too much is produced it finds its way into the throat instead of leaving by way of the nostrils. When the condition becomes chronic for example, from an allergy or prolonged sinusitis - mucus can drip into the bronchial tubes, especially at night, inducing coughing and heavy phlegm. Since postnasal drip is most often a symptom of another ailment, the best approach is to identify and treat the underlying condition. Possible Symptoms a flow of mucus that runs down the back of your throat, ranging in consistency from watery to thick, and often associated with a sore throat, a cough, hoarseness, or the feeling that something is lodged in your throat. inadvertent sniffing, snorting, or swallowing of nasal mucus that may cause throught irritation. Possible Causes Watery postnasal drip along with itching eyes, nose, palate, and throat (or sneezing, congestion, and water eyes) is usually allergic rhinitis triggered by plant pollen, dust, animal hair, or other allergens. Some people develop postnasal drip when exposed to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke or airborne contaminants. If postnasal drip involves thick mucus, a sore throat, runny and congested nose, headache, achiness, and reduced sense of taste and smell, you probably have viral rhinitis - a common cold. Intermittent or continual postnasal drip that becomes very pronounced with humidity and temperature changes or periods of emotional stress may be vasomotor rhinitis. This condition can also be a side effect of some prescription drugs. Thick yellow or greenish mucus can indicate a bacterial or viral respiratory infection. Whenever thick nasal discharge and postnasal drip are accompanied by fever and congestive pain or pressure in the face, it is probably from sinusitis. Women who use hormone replacement therapy or estrogen-based birth-control drugs can develop postnasal drip as a side effect, and it can be a minor complication of pregnancy. Lifestyle Changes Use a cough medicine or a simple saline solution (above, left) as a nasal spray to help thin postnasal drip mucus. Drink lots of water (at least six glasses a day) to help keep the mucus as thin as possible. Humidify the air around you, especially in winter. If your heating system does not have a built-in humidifier, you can buy a self - contained unit at most home - supply centers. Important Supplements Many treatments to clear postnasal drip rely primarily on thining the offending mucus and dont always deal with the underlying causes. Inhaling steam can help clear nasal passages. Add essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), tea tree (Melaleuca spp.) rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), or peppermint (Mentha piperita) to the water in a humidifier during the day, and use the essential oil of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) in the evening for a better nights sleep. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) may help dry up postnasal drip; make an infusion or tincture with the leaves and stems, or take two 200 mg capsules of the prepared herb three times daily. For postnasal drip with thick yellow - green mucus, try Pulsatilla (12c) (Sinusitis Tabs) three of four times a day for two days. For postnasal drip associated with symptoms of a common cold, try Nux vomica (12c) (Headache Tabs) three or four times a day for two days. For other kinds of postnasal drip, a homeopath will prescribe a remedy for your particular symptoms. Available Products and Supplements Listed Below