Allergy Medicine Not Working For Post Nasal Drip
Post nasal drip is a common condition that occurs when excess mucus builds up in the back of the throat and nasal passages. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and a runny nose. Many people turn to allergy medicine to alleviate these symptoms, but sometimes it doesn't work as expected. In this article, we'll explore why allergy medicine might not be effective for post nasal drip and what other treatments are available.
Why Allergy Medicine Might Not Work For Post Nasal Drip
Allergy medicine is designed to alleviate symptoms caused by allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. However, post nasal drip is not always caused by allergies. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including sinus infections, colds, and even acid reflux. Allergy medicine is not effective at treating these underlying causes of post nasal drip.
In addition, some people may develop a tolerance to allergy medicine over time, causing it to become less effective. This is especially true for over-the-counter antihistamines, which can lose their effectiveness after prolonged use.
Other Treatments For Post Nasal Drip
If allergy medicine is not effective for post nasal drip, there are other treatments that can be tried. One option is nasal irrigation, which involves flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. This can help to remove excess mucus and relieve symptoms.
In some cases, prescription nasal sprays may be more effective than over-the-counter allergy medicine. These sprays contain corticosteroids, which can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and alleviate symptoms.
If post nasal drip is caused by acid reflux, medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed. These drugs reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which can help to alleviate symptoms.
Preventing Post Nasal Drip
While post nasal drip can be difficult to treat, there are steps that can be taken to prevent it from occurring in the first place. One of the most important things is to stay hydrated, as this can help to keep mucus thin and easy to clear out of the nasal passages.
Avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, and strong perfumes can also help to prevent post nasal drip. In addition, practicing good oral hygiene can help to prevent sinus infections, which can lead to post nasal drip.
Conclusion
Post nasal drip can be a frustrating condition to deal with, especially when allergy medicine doesn't seem to help. However, there are other treatments that can be tried, such as nasal irrigation and prescription nasal sprays. It's important to remember that post nasal drip can be caused by a variety of factors, so finding the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.