To stop postnasal drip, you can use a combination of home remedies and over- the-counter (OTC) treatments:

Home Remedies

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water (at least 11 cups for women, 15 for men) to thin mucus and ease drainage

• Sleep with your head elevated: Use propped-up pillows to prevent mucus from collecting in the throat and reduce reflux-related drip

• Gargle saltwater: Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle to soothe the throat and loosen mucus

• Inhale steam: Steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can moisten nasal passages and thin mucus

• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to dry indoor air can help reduce mucus thickness, but keep humidifiers clean to avoid allergens

• Avoid irritants: Stay away from cigarette smoke and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Decongestants: Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or nasal sprays like oxymetazoline (Afrin) reduce nasal swelling and mucus production but should be used cautiously and not for more than a few days

• Mucus thinners: Guaifenesin (Mucinex) helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear

• Antihistamines: If allergies cause postnasal drip, antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra) can reduce mucus production

• Nasal steroids: Nasal corticosteroids like Flonase reduce inflammation in nasal passages and can help with allergy-related postnasal drip

Additional Tips

• Treat underlying causes such as allergies, infections, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with appropriate dietary changes and medications

• If symptoms persist longer than a week or worsen, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment

Combining these approaches can effectively reduce or stop postnasal drip and relieve associated symptoms like throat irritation and coughing.