Post-Nasal Drip Remedies
"Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis (allergic or non-allergic), sinusitis (acute or chronic), laryngopharyngeal acid reflux (with or without heartburn), or by a disorder of swallowing (such as an esophageal motility disorder). It is frequently caused by allergies, which may be seasonal or persistent through the year, depending on the allergen(s) involved. Birth control pills or pregnancy can also cause post-nasal drip because of the elevated levels of estrogen hormones."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-nasal_drip
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Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
REMEDIES NEEDED
03/22/2010: Maria from Wilmington, De: "About 6 months ago I had a terrible case of acid reflux. After many visits and phone calls my dr sent me to an ENT doctor. He did a nasal scope and said I was being hit from both ends, the stomach and my post nasal drip. I am keeping the acid reflux under control but the post nasal drip is irritating my throat so bad that I cant tell if its acid reflux or my pnd. I use sprays for the pnd and irrigate my passages but it still flairs up during the day. Any idea as to what I can do to get rid the pnd? Maria"
Replies10/23/2010: Cassie from Boston, Ma replies: "I need a PND remedy too. I often get it after I eat. Can't tell if it's due to acid reflux or not. Tried Betaine HCL for low stomach acid but it seems to make it worse!"
12/20/2010: Patrice from Nashua, Nh replies: "It seems like no one has a reply for PND which is with me practically 20 hours out of 24-hour day. This constant spitting up is irritating to the throat and limits my social activities."
12/21/2010: Brooke from Montgomery, Tx, Usa replies: "It has been with me for the past year also Patrice. It is very annoying!! I have tried every remedy on here, and it is still with me!! I am now taking the baking soda again, hoping that will do something, but if someone has a better idea then it would be appreciated! "
12/21/2010: Self from Ny replies: "Colds/flu/respiratory infections/sinusitis, dehydration, allergies, acid reflux, hormonal imbalance (e.g. Excess estrogen from the pill) can all cause post nasal drip.1. Drink plenty of water (dechlorinated and defluoridated). This will help dissolve mucous and flush it from the body.
2. Keep the air hydrated. Use a humidifier.
3. Avoid mucous causing and acidic foods. This means stick to fresh vegetables, some legumes and whole grains, a little fruit and seeds. Dairy, meats and many processed foods are mucous causing and acidic.
4. Alkalize the body. Most people are acidic from bad diet and stress. Two to three times a day, on an empty stomach (morning and an 1-2 hrs before sleep), add 1/4 tspn of baking soda to 2 tspns (you can build up to 2 tblspns) of raw organic apple cider vinegar. After it stops fizzing, add one cup of water. Give yourself a couple days off each week, from this. This will also help dissolve the mucous and if the PND is caused by acid reflux, this remedy will also help that as well.
5. Gargle with sea salt water. Mix 1/2 tbspn sea salt with 1 cup of water and gargle as needed.
6. Use sea salt nasal irrigation. Mix 1 tspn of sea salt in 1 cup of water (you can also add a pinch of baking soda) into a neti pot or a nose syringe or small aerosol pump spray for the nose.
[If "Using a syringe, tip your head back and fill one side of your nose up with the mixture. You have to close off the back of your throat with your tongue to prevent choking on it. Move your head around so that the mixture goes into your sinus cavities, then bring your head forward so that the water runs out. Blow your nose gently to remove the excess. Repeat several times for each nostril and continue to do it at least three times a day. This will help flush away any allergens or toxins that are causing excess mucous. "
Source: http://www.homeremediesfor.net/post-nasal-drip
If using a neti pot, here is an example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8sDIbRAXlg
7. Try some raw honey and lemon in a warm tea. This will help with drainage.8. Get an allergy test done to see what you may be allergic too (e.g. Pets, clothing material, detergents, foods, dust, etc).
9. If the PND is thick yellow or green, it means infection. You can check this link for natural antibiotics http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/natural_antibiotics.html
If it gets really bad, consult a naturopathic doctor. Give this protocol a little time."
06/19/2011: Tracy from Portland, Or replies: "My Post Nasal Drip disappeared as soon as I stopped eating wheat gluten, almost immediately after, so it's easy to find out if that is the problem because you only need a few days to see improvement."
10/27/2011: Tammi from Sutherland, Ne Usa replies: "What can I do for an annoying postnasal drip? It is constant and watery and have had this for about 20 yrs. I have used salt water rinse in my sinuses and ACV as reccommended as a drink but it just keeps on dripping. What's next?"
11/20/2011: Tiara from Gainesville, Florida, Usa replies: "Blackberry leaf takes away post-nasal drip. I have had outstanding results using it as a tea. I found out about it from my local herb store."
01/15/2012: Victoria from Staffordshire, United Kingdom replies: "hi could you tell me how much blackberry leaf to use and how many times a day do you drink it, thanks"
05/19/2012: Kerina from Bergerac, France replies: "You mentioned Baking Soda in relation to post nasal drip. I'm a bit confused by this, as in my cupboard I have Bicarbonate of Soda or Baking Powder. Which of these would be the right one to use?"
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