Meds to help with post-nasal drip?

Twice in the last week I've gotten really sick (to the point of vomiting) and I think it has to do with post-nasal drip. I have all kinds of sinus issues, but it's been years since I've had an infection, or any real issues with my sinuses making me sick.

That being said, I'd really like to try something that will take care of the post-nasal drip so I can stop getting nauseous.

And like I tell my coworkers, no, I'm not pregnant.

I've just gone through a flare up of post-nasal drip that caused a nasty dry cough. Antihistamines and decongestants made it worse. I have had some success with using expectorants like Mucinex in the past but it wasn't working. The only thing that has helped with this last episode are nasal washes twice a day. I also took a teaspoon of honey to help the cough, but the nasal washes helped the overall discomfort.

I would recommend using a neti pot. Also make sure you are drinking enough water as you can become dehydrated. What is the humidity level in your house-maybe get a table top humidifier for your bedroom??

I have a doctor that prescribes antibiotics but also gives his patients a "home remedy". This one works well:

Nasal Wash:

1/2 Tsp. Glycerine
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Water

Mix. Wash nasal passages by inhaling then blowing out. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

I have a hard time inhaling a liquid, however, DBF uses this remedy with success. Mucinex works great for me. I hope you feel better.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've heard of neti pots before, and was tempted to buy one, but never did. I'll look at those again today.

I took a Mucinex tablet today, so we'll see how that works. So far, so good. I'm just glad I woke up and didn't feel sick to my stomach again.

Originally Posted by katachtig

Antihistamines and decongestants made it worse.

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They've never helped mine either - but I suspect other causes than what causes most peoples post nasal drip. Antihistamines don't really solve anything for people who have to take them, anyways.


emrldsky - You may also want to try something to help with the nausea if your stomach is easily upset. In this case, antacids and acid reducers would do more harm than good because your stomach acid needs to be there to help destroy any bacteria that's draining from your sinuses. But you could try ginger tea and some OTC anti nausea meds - Ematrol minor nausea for me before.


The rest of you are lucky you can rinse out your sinuses. Mine are extremely sensitive and the slightest bit of fluid in the wrong place results in a lot of pain and a headache.

I have the same problem, and what's helped me a lot too is nasal rinsing...it makes all the difference in the world. I like the plastic Neti pot and pre-measured rinse solution packets (add to warm water) made by Neilmed. They're available at many drugstores. There's also a product called Simply Saline that is a pure saline spray (no irritating preservatives) that is handy to use if you're out & about. Regular use moistens your nose and helps to keep the secretions thin so they're less likely to cause gagging.

Cutting down on consumption of dairy products seems to help (supposedly they thicken mucus), and if it's really bad I'll take Mucinex to thin the mucus and Sudafed decongestant (the behind-the pharmacy counter kind). Stay away from antihistamines unless your allergies are really bad, because they'll dry out the nasal secretions and make things worse. I hope you're feeling better soon!

p.s. if you're coughing/gagging relatively often over a long period of time, especially at night, talk to your doctor about the possibility of cough-variant asthma.