Chronic nasal drip and cough

Mucus draining from the nose can cause throat tickling, frequent throat clearing, a hoarse voice, or a cough that is worse when lying down. Allergic rhinitis may cause sneezing and itchy eyes, while a recent cold can leave a cough after other symptoms improve. Acid reflux can irritate the throat without obvious heartburn. Asthma may cause cough, wheeze, or chest tightness, particularly with exercise, cold air, or night-time symptoms. Chronic cough is a symptom pattern rather than a single diagnosis, so the timing, sound, mucus, triggers, smoking exposure, and medicines all matter.

Keep a brief symptom diary: note whether coughing follows meals, lying down, outdoor exposure, dust, exertion, or nasal blockage. Saline nasal care may reduce thick secretions when performed with safe water and clean equipment. Avoid smoke and other airway irritants, and sip fluids if the throat feels dry. A clinician can check your nose, throat, breathing, and medicines before recommending treatment. Do not start antibiotics or use someone else’s inhaler; these treatments depend on the cause. Arrange a review if the cough persists, disrupts sleep, or repeatedly returns.

Get urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, chest pain, or coughing blood. Seek prompt assessment for a cough with significant wheezing, fever that is worsening, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or repeated chest infections. A clinician may consider allergic rhinitis, reflux, asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or another explanation according to the examination and history.

Ask: Could the drainage be causing my cough, or should my lungs and reflux be assessed too? Which features would suggest asthma? Should I change a medicine that may worsen cough? What symptoms would mean I need urgent review?