What should you know about stopping a cough from nasal drip?

Nasal drip, also called postnasal drainage, is mucus moving from the back of the nose toward the throat. It can tickle the throat and trigger a cough, throat clearing, hoarseness or a feeling of mucus stuck there. [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/) may cause clear drainage, sneezing and itching, while a [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/) can bring congestion and thicker mucus. Cough may also come from the airways or stomach, so nasal drip is not the only possible explanation.

Drink fluids regularly and use saline nasal spray or a saline rinse prepared with safe water to loosen mucus. Keep your head slightly raised during sleep, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and use a humidified room if dry air irritates your throat. For allergy-related symptoms, ask a pharmacist or clinician about an appropriate treatment. Do not use a decongestant spray longer than its instructions allow. If cough follows meals or worsens when lying down, [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) may be relevant.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, chest pain, coughing blood, confusion or a rapidly worsening illness. Arrange a medical review if the cough persists, repeatedly disrupts sleep, causes wheezing, or comes with fever, weight loss or recurrent chest infections. Conditions such as [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/) or [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/) may need assessment when symptoms do not settle.

Ask whether your symptoms fit nasal drip, allergy or reflux, which nasal treatment is suitable, and whether your lungs need examination if the cough continues.