Acid reflux and post nasal drip: what to know

Reflux involves stomach contents moving upward into the oesophagus or throat. Post nasal drip is mucus draining from the nose or sinuses down the back of the throat. They may occur separately or at the same time, so the pattern of symptoms matters.

A sour taste, burning behind the breastbone, burping, or symptoms after meals and when lying down point toward reflux. Some people have throat symptoms without obvious heartburn, including hoarseness, a dry cough, or a lump-like feeling in the throat.

A blocked or runny nose, sneezing, facial pressure, or the sensation of mucus moving down the throat fits post nasal drip more closely. Allergies, a respiratory infection, or sinus irritation can increase nasal mucus. Because either problem can cause cough, an examination may be needed when the cause remains unclear.

For reflux-type symptoms, try smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and notice whether particular foods or drinks repeatedly trigger discomfort. Raising the head end of the bed may help symptoms that appear overnight.

For nasal drainage, drinking fluids and using a saline nasal rinse or spray may loosen mucus. Use sterile or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal rinsing, and keep the device clean. A clinician or pharmacist can help choose medicines based on whether allergy, infection, or reflux is suspected and check for interactions with your current medicines.

Arrange a medical review if symptoms persist, repeatedly disturb sleep, make swallowing difficult, or are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, vomiting, fever, or worsening facial pain. A cough that continues or keeps returning also deserves assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Seek urgent help for severe chest pressure or tightness, trouble breathing, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, or food becoming stuck. Chest discomfort should not automatically be attributed to reflux, especially when it spreads to the arm, jaw, back, or comes with sweating.

Ask whether your symptom pattern suggests reflux, nasal drainage, or another cause such as asthma or a medicine side effect. It can also help to ask whether you need a treatment trial, an examination of the nose and throat, or further testing because of swallowing problems or persistent cough. Bring a list of medicines and note when symptoms occur in relation to meals, sleep, nasal congestion, and physical activity.