How common is postnasal drip in chronic cough?

Mucus draining toward the throat can stimulate the urge to cough, particularly when you lie flat or speak for a long time. The cough may be dry, or it may bring up a small amount of mucus. A chronic cough can also be related to asthma, reflux, smoking or vaping exposure, airway irritation, infection, or medicines. For that reason, postnasal drip should be considered one clue in the overall symptom pattern rather than a diagnosis by itself.

Notice whether coughing is worse at night, after meals, outdoors, or around dust, perfume, smoke, or animals. Drinking fluids and avoiding smoky air may lessen throat irritation. Saline rinsing can remove nasal mucus and irritants when prepared with sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water. If you use over-the-counter cough or allergy products, ask a pharmacist to check that they are appropriate with your other medicines and medical conditions.

Book a clinical assessment when coughing continues, disrupts sleep, causes vomiting, or comes with recurrent wheeze. Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or a sudden worsening in a person with serious lung or heart disease. The assessment may include questions about nasal symptoms, reflux, exposures, and current medication.

Ask what features point to a nasal cause and whether your cough needs lung, reflux, or medication review. Bring a list of medicines, including blood-pressure medicines and supplements, plus notes on cough timing and triggers.