What is Postnasal Drip? Signs and Symptoms

Postnasal drip occurs when an excess of mucus flows and pools at the back of your throat. While many can’t typically feel the pooling, they might notice an itching, “running,” or dripping feeling in the back of their throat. This feeling leads many to experience coughing fits or excessive throat clearing.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of postnasal drip can help you confront this condition with more confidence. Read on to explore what postnasal drip can look like, what causes it, how to determine if you have it, and what your provider may suggest to help you address symptoms.

In this article:

What is postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip occurs when mucus drips and settles at different places in the throat, often causing a feeling of accumulation or pooling. However, the presence of mucus in the throat doesn’t always lead to a diagnosis of postnasal drip.

Mucus is necessary to keep the throat and nose moist. It traps and filters what we inhale and helps us to fight infection. So, the mucus produced is typically swallowed throughout the day, unnoticeable alongside our saliva.

What causes postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip can occur with or without the presence of an underlying medical condition. Some of the most common reasons for postnasal drip to develop include:

• Sinusitis
• Nasal infections
• Cold and flu viruses
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Allergies
• Medications that thicken mucus
• Strep throat
• Hormone changes (i.e., pregnancy or menopause)
• Rapid temperature-based sensory changes

Symptoms of postnasal drip

Early symptoms of postnasal drip can be as simple as a tickle. It might feel like the beginning of a sore throat due to the drainage of mucus in the throat. Some people might also feel as if they need to keep swallowing to pass saliva around a “lump” or a rough spot in the throat.

As postnasal drip progresses, it can lead to coughing or other symptoms, including:

• Sore throat
• Raspy voice
• Nasal discharge
• Congestion
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Sneezing

These symptoms can worsen at night in some cases.

Ways to relieve symptoms of postnasal drip

Postnasal drip isn’t generally regarded as a serious condition. However, if left untreated, symptoms can linger for weeks to months. This can compromise one’s quality of life. 

Simply spitting out the mucus as it builds up isn’t usually an effective treatment for postnasal drip. Many find that they need a more useful way to manage their symptoms. Before a health care provider selects a treatment option, they’ll help determine an underlying cause.

For example, if postnasal drip is from allergies, over-the-counter medications that target allergy-related symptoms may be recommended. Effective choices in this category might include steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines.

A health care provider might also recommend avoiding things that could trigger allergic reactions or otherwise contribute to postnasal drip, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold. Prioritizing the use of an air humidifier or air purification system can also help get rid of allergens in the environment.

If postnasal drip is not allergen related, the treatment might still be similar. Often, regimens include steroid nasal sprays (such as fluticasone) and nasal antihistamines — such as olopatadine and azelastine. They might also include home remedies, like salt water sinus flushing of the nasal cavity.

Below are some examples of other common treatment options for postnasal drip.

Over-the-counter medication

Many experiencing postnasal drip find relief with OTC allergy treatments or non-steroid or steroid-based nasal sprays.

While a provider might also recommend an oral antihistamine, guidelines suggest that intranasal corticosteroids (nasal steroids) such as fluticasone propionate, budesonide, mometasone furoate, and triamcinolone acetonide are also effective in helping to relieve symptoms of inflammation and mucus. Ultimately, your medical team will prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

After you connect with a provider and determine the best course of action for your symptoms, consider stocking up on nasal spray and decongestants for future needs.

Prescription medication

If over-the-counter and other home options aren’t relieving symptoms completely, connect with a health care provider to discuss other options, including prescription medications. Typically, antibiotics will not be prescribed unless there is a bacterial sinus infection.

Hot liquids

Staying hydrated is an important step that helps maintain moisture in the throat and thin mucus. Warm liquids, such as soup or tea, may also help soothe throat soreness.

Humidifiers, neti pots, and water steam

Setting up a humidifier at home can help to reduce the effects of congestion, thinning the accumulated mucus. Make sure to use the humidifier as directed on the product label and clean it daily since bacteria can grow in standing water.

Steam is beneficial even without owning a humidifier. Many find relief by taking a hot, steamy shower.

If congestion is higher in the sinuses, consider using a neti pot or other saline rinse. These tools can help irrigate the nasal passages, hydrating the tissues and carrying out excessive mucus and debris. When using a neti pot, follow all box instructions and use distilled (or sterile) water for each use.

Preventing postnasal drip

There are several steps you can take to address postnasal drip and its triggers. According to double board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Sairaman Nagarajan, “Allergy skin testing can help to identify allergic vs. non-allergic triggers of rhinitis and post-nasal drip. Identifying the cause can result in more targeted treatment approaches.”

Other steps include:

• Monitoring and improving the indoor air quality with HEPA-filter air purifiers
• Staying hydrated
• Keeping the immune system strong to minimize risk of bacterial or viral infections

When to see a health care provider for postnasal drip

Generally, anyone experiencing postnasal drip and symptoms that have not gone away within 1-2 weeks after over-the-counter or at-home treatments may need to see a health care provider. If postnasal drip is accompanied by lingering symptoms or a fever, it could be related to a bacterial infection, which would need to be treated with antibiotics.

How is postnasal drip diagnosed?

Typically, a doctor may use one or more methods, including a detailed exam of the ear, nose, and throat or an endoscopy—a procedure that uses a camera to see inside oral and nasal cavities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you have postnasal drip without a runny nose?

Although uncommon, it is possible to have postnasal drip without a runny nose. Although uncommon, postnasal drip can occur without the typical runny nose. Causes of this situation may include things like infection (COVID), allergies, acid reflux, or even pregnancy.

Is postnasal drip contagious?

No, postnasal drip itself is not contagious. However, the underlying causes may be if it’s tied to a bacterial or viral infection.

How long does postnasal drip last?

Postnasal drip can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Symptoms of various causes, such as strep throat, acute sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis, usually resolve within a few days if treated promptly. However, postnasal drip caused by chronic sinusitis, pollen allergies, or mold and dust mite allergies can persist much longer and may require more extensive treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.