These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Post-nasal drip
Question: Is there any permanent treatment for post-nasal drip?
I believe my post-nasal drip causes me to get the
‘common cold’ more often than I should and it makes
them stay longer because my throat is constantly
irritated. I also have sore throats often when I do
not have a cold. At one point a doctor prescribed an
antihistamine for the post-nasal drip which I took and
it caused me to sleep for 16 hours straight! This of
course was an unacceptable solution.
I am a smoker and I realize that smoking is not good
for the condition.
Answer: Post nasal drip is very common and also very irritating. Smoking and environmental exposure are a common cause. So are dry rooms. The most easily correctable cause is to humidify your house and place of business. Many antihistamines are sedating. Some of the newer ones like Claritin and Allegra are much less so. Also, if there is any allergic component, a nasal steroid may be helpful. Some medicines like clonidine and occasionally beta-blockers can cause a stuffy nose. Finally, your smoking is probably the biggest contributor.
