What should you know about cough due to nasal drip?

You may notice a tickle at the back of the throat, frequent throat clearing, a blocked or runny nose, a hoarse voice, or a cough that is worse when lying down. The drainage may follow a cold or occur with Allergic Rhinitis. Acid Reflux, asthma, bronchitis, and other causes can also produce cough, so the pattern alone cannot identify one cause.

A clinician may ask when the cough began, whether it is dry or brings up mucus, and whether nasal congestion, itching, wheezing, fever, or heartburn accompanies it.

Drink fluids regularly, use a saline nasal spray or rinse as directed, and avoid smoke, strong fragrances, and other irritants. Keeping the head slightly raised during sleep may reduce drainage onto the throat. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose treatment for congestion or allergies, especially if you take other medicines or have asthma. Do not start antibiotics or combine cough products without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, or coughing blood. Arrange a medical review if the cough is worsening, disrupts sleep repeatedly, comes with fever or wheezing, or does not settle. A persistent cough may need assessment for conditions such as Chronic Cough, Asthma, or Acute Bronchitis.

Could nasal allergy, reflux, asthma, or another condition be contributing? Which nasal treatment fits my symptoms and other medicines? What changes should prompt an earlier review?