What should you know about nasal drip cough remedies?

A saline spray or rinse can loosen mucus and moisturise the nose. Allergy-related drainage may improve with trigger avoidance and a suitable allergy medicine. A cold often needs rest and fluids, while reflux-related throat irritation may respond to meal and sleep changes. Cough from Acute Bronchitis, Asthma or Bronchiectasis needs a different plan. A remedy that quiets the cough does not treat an underlying breathing problem.

Use saline products as labelled, drink warm fluids, and avoid smoke or strongly scented air. Follow the instructions for any pharmacy medicine and check with a pharmacist if pregnant, treating a child, or taking regular medicines. Do not combine products with the same active ingredient. Avoid prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays unless a clinician advises it, since congestion can rebound.

Arrange medical advice when the cough persists, repeatedly returns, causes vomiting or sleep loss, or is accompanied by fever, wheezing or breathlessness. Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue lips, confusion or coughing blood. A clinician can examine the nose and chest and decide whether allergy, reflux or another condition needs treatment.

Which cause of drainage fits my symptoms? Is a nasal spray, antihistamine or another option suitable for me? Could my cough indicate Asthma or another chest condition?