When to worry about postnasal drip with chronic cough

Postnasal drip is mucus moving from the nose or sinuses towards the throat. It can irritate the throat and trigger repeated throat-clearing or coughing. Postnasal Drip is a common presentation of Chronic Cough, but the cough may also have other contributors, such as asthma, reflux, infection, smoking, or an irritating medicine. Notice whether drainage is seasonal, follows a cold, is worse when lying down, or comes with wheezing or heartburn.

Drink fluids, avoid smoke and strong fragrances, and consider saline nasal rinsing with sterile or previously boiled and cooled water. Sleeping with the head slightly raised may reduce overnight throat irritation. A pharmacist or clinician can help choose treatment for allergies or nasal inflammation and check whether a medicine could be contributing. Arrange a review if the cough continues despite these measures, interrupts sleep, or affects exercise and daily activities.

Seek urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, or sudden severe worsening. Arrange prompt assessment for unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever that does not settle, repeated chest infections, or a cough in someone with significant smoking or occupational exposure. A clinician may listen to your chest, examine your nose and throat, and decide whether breathing tests or imaging are appropriate.

Could the drainage be from allergy, sinus inflammation, reflux, or another cause? Which nasal treatment is suitable for me? Do I need an asthma or lung assessment? What changes should make me seek urgent help?