Time for the season of stuffed up noses

It's that time of year again. The temperatures are shifting and allergens are haunting people across the country. If you are suffering from chronic throat clearing, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, congestion in the nasal and sinus passages or raspy speech, you may have post nasal drip. Although this can be caused by various things, the most common cause is seasonal allergies. Pollen, mold, animal dander, pollution and dust are usually culprits of post nasal drip, but sometimes food allergies can cause this uncomfortable feeling.

Also known as PND, post nasal drip happens when too much mucus is being produced and builds up in the nasal cavity and in the back of the throat. This excess can also be caused by laryngopharyngeal acid reflux and swallowing disorders, which are much more serious than common allergies. Try to think about when, where and how you suffer from post nasal drip the most to get to the bottom of the issue. After determining the cause of post nasal drip, it is important to remove any irritants that you can from your surroundings.

Some other causes of post nasal drip include pregnancy, anxiety, high blood pressure, menopause and a sinus infection.

Drink liquids
Is there ever a time when you are sick and you aren’t told that drinking water is key? Well it’s no different with post nasal drip. Drinking plenty of water will keep the mucus thin and moving along, which will help your body get rid of the extra "slime" more quickly. In addition, try to stay away from soda or coffee because this will counteract any water drinking and will only irritate the mucus that you are working so hard to get rid of. If you need your daily caffeine fix, opt for hot tea that will help flush out the system.

Ginger
There is no specific evidence that ginger can relieve all symptoms of post nasal drip, but it is known to relieve congestion, which will ultimately help. Sipping on ginger tea can be very beneficial, and can easily be made at home - or purchased at a local store. The spicy and invigorating taste helps rid the body of sore throats, colds and the flu.

Nasal spray
All-natural nasal spray can be one of the most effective ways to get rid of post nasal drip. Using this type of product will help flush out the mucus that is causing congestion without the use of harmful chemicals.