What's best for severe post-nasal drip?

Question

I've lost my voice over the weekend, no congestion in my chest but I'm coughing up a lot of phlem.

Answer 1

Oh, I hear you! I am a sufferer myself and often loose my voice. Here is a site that discusses post-nasal drip: http://www.nasal.net/post-nasaldrip.htm and no I did not need the surgery, my nasal passages were just fine.

My PND is caused by allergies and through the years the allergic reaction has traveled through my sinus passages, nasal passages and down the back of my throat and to my bronchials and lungs. I have now developed allergy induced asthma.

When I lose my voice it sometimes is a sign that my allergies are acting up again. Otherwise just the drip causes sore throats and laryngitis.

Phlegm tells you where you are health wise. Thin and clear is normal. Thin and cloudy means histamines are active and your body is sending in reinforcements. Yellow means possible infection (dead white blood cells are what is coloring the phlegm) Yellowish orange means small blood vessels have ruptured. Sometimes you even see streaks of red. Yellowish green is a major infection - get antibiotics. In all but the thin and clear you should see a physician.

You should see a doctor anyway if you have lost your voice for an extended period of time. Depending on the cause he can prescribe various medications, probably something like benadryl if it is allergy induced. A saline spray can wash allergens out of the nasal passages. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The best bet is to go see your doctor. When post nasal drip leads to laryngitis (an inflammation/infection of the larynx) your doctor should be monitoring your care. Nasalcrom while a good medication for seasonal allergies is not always the best bet. I would personally recommend Atrovent nasal spray. This dries up the nasal passages very rapidly. Make sure that you get the 3% solution as the 6% can be to drying and cause nose bleeds. If the phlegm has a color, such as yellow or green make sure that your MD is aware of that so antibiotics can be included in your treatment regime. Here's to your health.

Answer 3

If you have lost your voice that can be a syptom of bronchitice. If the phlem has a color to it you might want to go to the doctors if the over the counter meds don't help.I have allergies and sinus problems myself and know what its like.

Take care & good luck!

Answer 4

First if you are having an allergic reaction, find out what the trigger is and avoid it. Common triggers are smoke, dust, mold and plants/weeds/grass.

Medications:

If you want to tackle it hard, Go to the drug store and get these medications,
an antihistamine such as Loratadine (my choice) or benidryll.

Sudafed or one with a sudafed like medication in it.

A nose spray called NasalCrom or the generic form.

Use each as directed.

Answer 5

Hot drinks really help, as well as hot, steamy showers.

But, if you are looking for medicinal relief, either Otrivin or Dristan Nasal Spray should help.

Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

i exploit Afrin.i've got been to nostril Dr.s and my reg. Dr. and that is only undesirable allergys.I tryed a marvelous type of perscription drugs and afrin works the final. they say it incredibly is habit forming. I say if It helps me breath it is not not greater habit forming than eating or eating water.i've got been using nostril spray on account that 1974. So pass figur. good success

Answer 7

Steam and hot drinks. And if you know what's causing the post-nasal drip, fix that.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Depends on if it's allergies or sinus. Since pollen is so bad this time of year I would try claritin.

Answer 9

Hot drinks...especially tea. Steam from a hot bath or shower. And if you do not feel better soon see a dr.

Answer 10

you need a good fast.... stop eating anything. dont take medicine. drink lemon water till you feel better (you will)