What should you know about infant post nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip means mucus from the nose moves towards the back of the throat. In an infant, this can sound like throat clearing, cause a wet or tickly cough, disturb sleep, or make feeding less comfortable. A [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) is one possible cause; nasal allergy, reflux, or an airway illness can also produce overlapping symptoms. [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) are possibilities a clinician may consider, but the symptom alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Use saline drops recommended for infants and gently clear visible nasal mucus before feeds or sleep. Offer usual breast or formula feeds, with pauses when the baby needs them. Keep the sleep surface flat and clear; do not prop the mattress or place pillows under the baby. Avoid smoke, incense, and scented sprays. Do not use decongestants or cough remedies without medical advice. Arrange a review if the cough persists, disrupts feeding, or is accompanied by wheeze; related conditions include [Bronchiolitis](/conditions/bronchiolitis/) and [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/).

Seek urgent help for fast or laboured breathing, ribs pulling in, grunting, blue or grey lips, repeated pauses, or difficulty waking. Contact a clinician promptly if the infant takes much less milk, has fewer wet nappies, develops fever, or seems increasingly unwell. A cough that continues beyond the expected cold or keeps returning deserves assessment; [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/) is a reason to discuss ongoing symptoms.

Ask what is causing the drainage, how to clear the nose safely, whether reflux or allergy is plausible, and which feeding or breathing changes require urgent review.