Best Medicine For Post Nasal Drip And Cough
Post nasal drip (PND) is a common condition that occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and nasal passages. This condition can cause discomfort and may lead to a cough. If you are experiencing PND and cough, it is essential to find the best medicine that can provide relief.
What causes PND and cough?
PND and cough can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, colds, flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory infections. In some cases, PND and cough may be a symptom of a more severe underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or asthma.
What are the symptoms of PND and cough?
The symptoms of PND and cough may include a persistent cough, a feeling of mucus or phlegm in the throat, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, bad breath, and a runny nose. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may last for several weeks, depending on the underlying cause.
What are the best medicines for PND and cough?
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can provide relief for PND and cough. These include:
- Decongestants: Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can relieve symptoms of PND and cough.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help reduce the production of mucus and relieve symptoms of PND and cough caused by allergies.
- Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and fluticasone (Flonase) can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, which can relieve symptoms of PND and cough.
- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) can help reduce the frequency and severity of coughing caused by PND.
- Expectorants: Expectorants such as guaifenesin (Mucinex) can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, which can relieve symptoms of PND and cough.
If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with OTC medicines, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength medications, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, to help relieve your symptoms.
Home remedies for PND and cough
In addition to taking OTC medicines, there are several home remedies that can help relieve symptoms of PND and cough. These include:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help relieve congestion and soothe irritated nasal passages.
- Try saline nasal rinses: Saline nasal rinses can help flush out excess mucus and relieve congestion.
- Elevate your head: Sleeping with your head elevated can help prevent mucus from accumulating in the back of your throat.
- Avoid irritants: Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and strong odors can make PND and cough worse.
When to see a doctor
If your symptoms persist for more than a week or are severe, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Blood in your mucus
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe headache or facial pain
In conclusion, PND and cough can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. However, with the right treatment, including OTC medicines and home remedies, you can find relief from your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or are severe, you should see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive the best course of treatment.