You might think this one belongs in the Home Blog… until I tell you that the nozzle I’m talking about is the one on your face. Post nasal drip can be a real annoyance!
Mucus is a part of life — and a necessary evil when it comes to breathing. Your nose has to warm and humidify the air you breathe so it doesn’t damage the lungs on arrival. Glands in the nose and sinus cavities produce approximately two quarts of fluid every day to keep membranes in the respiratory system moist.
That fluid has to go somewhere, and sometimes it turns into post nasal drip. Most of the time, fluid in the respiratory system moves along unnoticed. Sometimes (often during the winter) that mucus dries out and thickens — and that’s when post nasal drip becomes a problem.
How can you keep mucus flowing smoothly in your respiratory system? Here are some tips:
- Flush your nasal passages with salt water. I’m a big cheerleader for sinus rinses — it’s helped me fight off a sinus infection more than once. A neti pot or sinus irrigation kit can help keep things flowing smoothly.
- Gargle with saltwater if you get that post nasal drip sore throat. This can help clear the mucus from your throat! Mix a half teaspoon of salt into an eight ounce glass of warm water.
- Skip spicy foods that can irritate nasal passages — at least until the post nasal drip problem clears up!
- Skip milk and other dairy products. These foods may stimulate excess mucus production, leaving you with a thick feeling in your mouth and throat.
- Use a humidifier. Especially during the dry winter months, a humidifier can help keep nasal passages moist.
- Don’t overuse decongestants. These medications are best saved for other upper respiratory issues — not post nasal drip! And antihistamines aren’t going to be much use either — they are best used for allergy-related problems.