Postnasal drip cough treatment: what helps

Mucus from the nose or sinuses can move down the back of the throat. This may trigger throat clearing, a tickle, hoarseness, or a cough that is worse when lying down. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, and acid reflux can all contribute, so a cough does not identify one cause by itself.

A clinician may ask about nasal blockage, sneezing, facial pressure, heartburn, medicines, and how long the cough has lasted. Persistent cough may also need assessment as chronic cough rather than being attributed to drainage alone.

Drink fluids regularly, use a saline nasal spray or rinse as directed, and avoid smoke, strong fragrances, and other irritants. Sleeping with the upper body raised may reduce drainage-related coughing at night. If allergies are suspected, a pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antihistamine or nasal treatment is suitable for you.

Treatment works best when it addresses the trigger. Reflux measures may help when symptoms follow meals or include a sour taste; nasal or sinus treatment may be more useful when congestion, sneezing, or facial pressure is present. Follow label directions and check before combining medicines.

Arrange a medical review if the cough persists, keeps returning, disrupts sleep, or comes with ongoing nasal symptoms. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion, or a rapidly worsening illness. A high fever, severe facial pain, swelling around an eye, or a severe headache also warrants prompt assessment.

Could allergies, sinus inflammation, reflux, or another condition be driving my cough? Which nasal rinse or medicine is appropriate with my other treatments? What changes would mean I should return sooner?