Postnasal Drip: Causes, Treatments, and What Medications Can Help

When your nose produces too much mucus that drips down the back of your throat, you’re dealing with postnasal drip, a common condition where excess mucus accumulates and irritates the throat, often leading to coughing, soreness, or a feeling of constant phlegm. Also known as nasal drip, it’s not a disease itself but a symptom of something else—like allergies, infections, or acid reflux. It’s one of those things you don’t think much about until it keeps you up at night or makes you clear your throat every five minutes.

Behind every case of postnasal drip is usually a trigger. allergies, an immune overreaction to pollen, dust, or pet dander that causes your nasal passages to swell and leak mucus are the most common cause. But sinus congestion, often from a cold, flu, or bacterial infection, can also flood your nasal cavities with thick mucus that won’t drain properly. Even mucous membrane, the moist lining inside your nose and throat that produces mucus to trap irritants can get irritated by dry air, smoke, or spicy food. And don’t forget acid reflux—stomach acid creeping up into your throat can mimic postnasal drip, making you think it’s a nasal issue when it’s really digestive.

Most people try over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines, but they don’t always help—and sometimes make things worse. If your mucus is thick and yellow, you might need an antibiotic. If it’s clear and watery, antihistamines or nasal sprays could be the answer. But if your drip comes with heartburn or a sour taste, you’ll need a different approach entirely. That’s why understanding the root cause matters more than just reaching for the nearest medicine cabinet.

The posts below cover exactly what you need to know: which medications help or hurt, how to tell if your drip is from allergies or something else, and what alternatives actually work. You’ll find real comparisons between treatments, warnings about side effects, and tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal triggers, chronic congestion, or just tired of waking up with a sore throat, there’s something here that applies to you.