Will Allergy Shots Help Post Nasal Drip

What About Prescription Treatments

If these approaches aren’t effective, prescription treatments may be the next best steps, including:

• A nasal steroid spray
• Ipratropium nasal spray which inhibits secretions

Other treatments depend on the cause of the post-nasal drip. Antibiotics are not usually helpful, so they aren’t usually prescribed for post-nasal drip . For allergies, dusting and vacuuming often, covering your mattresses and pillowcases, and special air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.

How Can I Prevent Postnasal Drip

One way to prevent postnasal drip is by reducing your exposure to things youre allergic to as much as possible. Ways to prevent the condition may include:

• Taking a daily allergy pill.
• Keeping your house dust-free and clean.
• Using pillow covers and mattress covers to prevent dust mites.
• Changing the air filters on your HVAC system frequently.
• Showering before you go to bed if youve spent time outdoors.

Home Treatments For Postnasal Drip

You can turn to a number of home treatments to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip.

Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.

Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nasal passages and reduce symptoms of postnasal drip. If you have continual problems with postnasal drip, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone steroid nasal spray. Sinus irrigation tools like neti pots or sinus rinses like those from NeilMed can also flush out excess mucus.

Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also promote proper drainage.

Staying hydrated is just as important to prevent postnasal drip as it is to treat it. Drinking warm or hot liquid, like tea or chicken soup, can thin out mucus and prevent dehydration. And as always, dont forget to drink plenty of water. This also thins out mucus and keeps your nasal passages moistened, relieving discomfort.

Also Check: Can Allergies Go Away On Their Own

What Are The Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip can cause an irritated sore throat. Your tonsils and other tissues in your throat may swell up, leading to discomfort. You may feel like theres a lump in the back of your throat. Other symptoms of postnasal drip may include:

• A feeling of mucus draining into your throat.
• Frequent swallowing.
• Cough that bothers you more at night.
• Nausea and vomiting from excess mucus draining to your stomach.

Postnasal drip can also cause painful ear infections if mucus clogs up your Eustachian tubes. Your Eustachian tubes are what connect your nose and throat to your middle ears.

Treatment For Postnasal Drip Caused By Allergies

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to treat postnasal drip caused by allergies on your own. If you are taking prescription medications, check with your healthcare provider before using any new over-the-counter medications to ensure they won’t cause an interaction.

The following treatments may help improve symptoms of postnasal drip caused by allergies:

• Avoid interactions with known allergenss

• Wheezing or shortness of breath

Also Check: What Plants Help With Allergies

How Do Allergy Shots Work

Allergy shots work by decreasing symptoms from particular allergens.

Each injection contains small amounts of the allergen so that your body builds up immunity to it over time. The process works much like taking a vaccine, where your body creates new antibodies to combat the invasive substances.

Allergy shots also improve the way other immune system cells and substances function in response to allergens. Eventually, successful immunotherapy helps the body fight off allergens and reduce adverse symptoms.

Allergy shots aim to decrease overall allergy symptoms over time. If you have allergic asthma, reduced asthma symptoms are also possible.

What Are The Symptoms Of Post

Symptoms of post-nasal drip can include:

• Feeling of mucus drainage into the throat
• Frequent swallowing
• Sore irritated throat
• Feeling a lump in the throat

In children, thick or foul-smelling secretions from one side of the nose can mean that something is stuck in the nose such as a bean, wadded paper, or piece of a toy. If these symptoms are observed, seek a physician for examination.

Post-nasal drip often leads to a sore, irritated throat. Although there is usually no infection, the tonsils and other tissues in the throat may swell. This can cause discomfort or a feeling that there is a lump in the throat. Successful treatment of the post-nasal drip will usually clear up these throat symptoms.

css id:

Causes of post-nasal drip can include:

• Bacterial infections
• Vasomotor rhinitis
• Medications that thicken mucus
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Thin clear secretions can be due to colds and flu, allergies, cold temperatures, bright lights, certain foods or spices, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes. Various drugs and irregular nose cartilage can also produce increased mucus.

Thick secretions in winter often result from dryness in heated spaces. They can also come from sinus or nose infections and allergies, especially to foods such as dairy products. If thin secretions become thick, and turn green or yellow, it is possible that a bacterial sinus infection is developing.

css id:

You May Like: Can Acupuncture Help With Allergies

Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip In Children

Children with symptoms of postnasal drip accompanied by thick or foul-smelling liquid from one side of the nose may have a foreign object stuck in their nose. Common objects like a bean, coin, paper, or small toy can become lodged in the nostrils and interfere with normal breathing. If your child has these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

Key Points To Remember

• There is no cure for allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma. But allergy shots may provide long-term relief of symptoms.
• Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.footnote 1 Allergy shots may prevent children with allergic rhinitis from getting asthma.footnote 1
• You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.
• You cannot be sure how long the shots will be effective after you stop getting them. For allergies to some grasses, shots have been effective for 3 or 4 years.footnote 1
• If you have coronary artery disease, are using beta-blockers, are pregnant, are not able to communicate how the shots are working, or have an impaired immune system, allergy shots may not be recommended.
• Children may use allergy shots if they have persistent asthma made worse by allergens.
• Children younger than 2 should not have allergy shots.
• Children ages 3 to 4 may find it hard to have to get many shots over a long period of time. Talk with your doctor.
• Your child’s asthma needs to be well controlled before he or she gets allergy shots.

• The shots usually work to relieve allergy symptoms.

• You can take medicine to control allergy or asthma symptoms, and you can try to avoid the allergen.

• You will avoid having shots.
• You won’t have to spend the money on a long series of shots.
• You won’t have to travel to a clinic for regular shots.

Don’t Miss: How To Live With Dust Mite Allergy

What Causes Postnasal Drip

You can get postnasal drip for many different reasons. One of the most frequent causes of postnasal drip is allergies, which is often called allergic postnasal drip.

Another cause is a deviated septum. If you have a deviated septum, it means the wall of cartilage between your nostrils is crooked. The misplaced structure of your nose makes one of your nasal passages smaller than the other. This can prevent mucus from draining properly and can lead to postnasal drip. Other postnasal drip causes may include:

• Chronic acid reflux .

What Are The Treatment Options

Diagnosing post-nasal drip may include a detailed ear, nose, and throat exam, endoscopy , or X-rays. Post-nasal drip can be difficult to cure, and treatment varies according to the cause:

Related Conditions

Several other conditions may feel like post-nasal drip but are swallowing problems caused by a backup of solids or liquids in the throat. Conditions that may be related to post-nasal drip include:

You May Like: Can Fish Oil Cause Allergy

What Can I Expect If I Have Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip is very common and has many different causes. While the condition isnt usually serious, it can be annoying. With some over-the-counter medications and other home remedies, it should clear up on its own.

If you have repeated cases of postnasal drip or other symptoms along with it, reach out to your healthcare provider. You may have a bacterial infection or other condition that requires medical care.

Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief

Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief treats your toughest allergy symptomsincluding nasal congestion. Most allergy medicines dont do that. The ibuprofen in Advil combined with an antihistamine and a decongestant helps relieve upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.

Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief treats your multi-symptom sinus and allergy needs with just one tablet by combining the power of Advil and a proven decongestant to reduce swelling due to sinus pressure and nasal congestion, plus an effective antihistamine to relieve sneezing, runny nose and your other allergy symptoms.

Take on all your tough allergy symptoms with Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief.

• Temporarily relieves these symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies and the common cold:

• Itching of the nose or throat

Under 12 years of age:

Inactive Ingredients:

Use as directed. Read complete warnings and information.

Read Also: How To Cure Bee Sting Allergy

Gargling With A Saltwater Rinse

Gargling with salt water is a common home remedy for cold symptoms, such as a cough or postnasal drip. It is virtually free of side effects and easy to do.

A person can dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gargle for 1 minute.

The best way to prevent postnasal drip is by treating the underlying medical condition. The following strategies may also help prevent postnasal drip:

• drinking more fluids to thin the mucus and help it flow easier
• sleeping with the head of the bed elevated, reducing dripping to the back of the throat
• using a humidifier in the home to increase moisture in the air, which may decrease mucus
• limiting the consumption of spicy food to try to reduce GERD symptoms

Although postnasal drip is not often dangerous, it can be a symptom of another condition. A person should contact a doctor if:

• symptoms last more than 10 days
• they develop a high fever
• foul-smelling mucus occurs, as this could indicate an infection
• discolored mucus does not clear up

Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip results when you have excess mucus production in your nose or sinuses. This causes the mucus to accumulate at the back of your throat. The condition triggers a set of reactions that cause irritation and discomfort.

Common symptoms of postnasal drip include:

• A feeling of mucus dripping down the back of your throat
• Frequent swallowing
• The sensation of a lump in the back of your throat
• Swelling of the tonsils or other throat tissue

In addition to having more mucus, the quality of your mucus may change with postnasal drip. For instance, mucus that is thicker than usual can add to the discomfort of having a higher than normal quantity of the substance.

Read Also: Are Allergies Bad Right Now

How Is Postnasal Drip Treated

Postnasal drip can be hard to cure. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. For common colds and flu, you can try drinking warm liquids like soup or tea to help thin out the excess mucus. Along with drinking plenty of water, these home remedies will also keep you hydrated. Other treatment options may include:

Allergies

To fix postnasal drip due to allergies, you should avoid things youre allergic to. Symptom relief may include medicines like:

• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine .
• Nasal saline irrigations, such as neti pots.

If postnasal drip is due to chronic sinusitis, your healthcare provider may recommend sinus surgery. Sinus surgery can open your blocked sinuses.

Chronic acid reflux

Treatment for postnasal drip caused by GERD may include:

• Avoiding foods and drinks for at least three hours before bedtime.
• Keeping your head elevated six inches to eight inches above your body at bedtime.
• Cutting out caffeine and alcohol.
• Taking antacids such as TUMS® or acid blockers such as Pepcid AC®.

Breakthrough Treatment For Chronic Rhinitis & Postnasal Drip

As he grew older, 42-year-old Jon Balter developed severe chronic rhinitis and sought help from allergists and ENTs for nearly a decade. After trying allergy shots and a variety of medications without success, he was referred by his allergist to , who used a breakthrough cooling technology to treat the disorder successfully.

ClariFix® is a quick office-based procedure for the application of cryotherapy to nerves that control the rate of mucus production in the nose, says Dr. Citardi, chief of otorhinolaryngology at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and professor and chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. We anesthetize the patients nose in our procedure room and apply the treatment to each side. After anesthesia, the treatment takes about two minutes. Because no IV sedation or general anesthesia is required, people return to normal activity after leaving the office.

Balter underwent the procedure in November 2017. It was not bad at all, he recalls. Having the anesthesia applied was slightly uncomfortable, and after that Dr. Citardi inserted an applicator. The only sensation I had was a slight feeling of coldness. From arrival in his office to finish, including paperwork, it took a little less than an hour.

Patients typically notice a difference within one to two days after the procedure. At one week, they should experience the full benefit.

Read Also: Can Food Allergies Cause Stomach Bloating

How Do I Take Care Of Myself If I Have Postnasal Drip

There are many things you can do at home to help clear up your postnasal drip. You may need more fluids to thin out your secretions. Home remedies may include:

• Drink more water.
• Cut out caffeine.
• Avoid diuretics, if possible.

You can also try a mucus-thinning medication such as guaifenesin . These may make your secretions thinner. Saline nasal irrigations lessen thickened secretions. Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nose.

How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost

Health insurance typically covers allergy shots. You may have to pay a copay for each visit. Copays are usually nominal fees.

If you dont have health insurance, have a high deductible, or if allergy shots arent covered under your plan, you may end up spending thousands of dollars a year.

One large 2019 study looked at the costs of allergy shots for people with commercial insurance or Medicare Advantage with Part D. Researchers examined data gathered between 2013 and 2015.

• The cost of allergy shots for 131,493 people totaled $253,301,575. This averages out to around $1,926 per person.
• People with allergies covered about 19 percent of the total costs, while insurers covered about 81 percent.
• On average, treatment lasted 463.1 days .

Before beginning any treatment, talk with your doctor about payment options and costs.

Keep in mind that allergy shots are a long-term commitment. They require many injections, so youll want to plan accordingly if youre paying out of pocket.

Also consider that, over time, allergy shots could save you money on sick visits and over-the-counter allergy medications.

You May Like: What’s The Best Children’s Allergy Medicine

What Matters Most To You

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to choose allergy shots

Reasons not to choose allergy shots

I want to do whatever possible to relieve my symptoms even if I don’t know how long the shots will work.

I don’t want allergy shots if I can’t be sure how long they will work.

What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision

Check the facts

• That’s right. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.
• No, that’s not right. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Allergy shots are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.

• No, that’s not right. You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.
• Right. You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.

• That’s right. Children may use allergy shots if they have ongoing asthma made worse by allergens. Your child’s asthma needs to be well controlled before he or she gets allergy shots.
• No, that’s wrong. Actually children may use allergy shots if they have ongoing asthma made worse by allergens. Your child’s asthma needs to be well controlled before he or she gets allergy shots.
• It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Children may use allergy shots if they have ongoing asthma made worse by allergens, but the asthma must be well controlled first.

Read Also: Do You Feel Tired With Allergies