8 Expert-Approved Tips for Postnasal Drips

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drink enough water each day. The CDC recommends 2.7 liters per day, which is about 11 eight-ounce glasses, but some people require even more. Karpuzoglu says drinking water or even broth will help thin the mucus in the throat, allowing it to flow freely through the throat and keep your body well-hydrated. This will help replace the fluids lost during a cold or the flu.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Alcohol and caffeinated drinks may cause further dehydration (and, as discussed above, fluids are integral to thinning mucus in the body). Not only that but caffeine and alcohol are both inflammatory and could add to your discomfort or contribute to gastroesophageal reflux, which can further contribute to mucus in the throat.

Load Up on Vitamin C

A 2014 study demonstrated that vitamin C may reduce someone's risk for developing a cold and may also reduce the duration of the cold. The best way to load up on this powerhouse ingredient? Diet.

"Lemon is one of the most common home remedies you can use against the drip," says Karpuzoglu. "Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, can boost up the immune system to help the body resist various types of infections." She suggests squeezing half a lemon in warm water and adding honey, which is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, to taste.

Sip Some Tea

Yogi Tea Lemon Ginger Tea $25.00

Shop

"The warmth of the herbal teas can soothe a sore or irritated throat," Karpuzoglu explains. "Ginger or thyme tea with their antibacterial and antiviral properties can calm the irritated throat and help you to decrease mucus overproduction."

Tea with ginger, in particular, can soothe a sore throat. A 2013 review found that ginger can help suppress mucus production. Be warned though: Ginger supplements are more potent than the ginger root found in your local produce aisle, so those should be taken under medical supervision.

Get Steamy

When the winter temps hit, the air in your home or apartment is super dry, especially with the heater turned on. This can exacerbate mucus levels, so Karpuzoglu suggests using a vaporizer or humidifier to "increase the moisture level in your house, which helps decrease mucus formation, allowing you to breathe easier."

If you don't own a vaporizer or humidifier, try creating an at-home steam room by turning on the shower for 10-15 minutes and sitting in a closed bathroom. A long, hot shower (in which you inhale the steam) can work wonders, as well.

Try Menthol

Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser $89.00

Shop

Eucalyptus and peppermint oil are two common essential oils that are used to help clear the nasal passages and breathe easier (and are ingredients often featured in cough drops and chest rubs). Karpuzoglu suggests adding a couple of drops of these oils in your humidifier's fragrance diffuser to break up the congestion and soothe the nasal passages. 

Turn to Chicken Soup

"The powerhouse remedy against postnasal drip is the old-fashioned homemade warm chicken soup," suggests Karpuzoglu. "chicken soup can ease the discomforting symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and soreness in your throat, and it may reduce the risk of inflammation. Give your grandma’s chicken soup a try to boost up your energy and immune system to get faster relief from the symptoms of cold or flu."

Of course, this trick is really more about the hot liquid and less about the actual chicken, so even vegetarians can enjoy the benefits.

Get an Allergy Test

Just because you're noticing a lot of mucus in your throat, doesn't necessarily mean you're suffering from postnasal drip. In fact, it might just mean you have an allergy to dust, pollen, or even certain foods.

"The cause of post nasal drip can be different for everyone," says Yagoda. "Typically, it is because the roughly one liter of mucus made daily, can not flow freely from your nose and sinuses, into your throat. When that one liter of mucous is partially blocked, (from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps, adenoidal hypertrophy, etc.), the mucus becomes thick and sticky and is noticeable as postnasal drip. When there is unobstructed flow, the watery drainage runs like normal saliva down the back of your throat almost imperceptibly. Sometimes, food allergies can cause similar symptoms. A simple blood test can detect most food allergies and is much more effective than guessing by way of eliminating certain foods."