Post-nasal drip (PND) refers to the dripping of mucus from the back of the nose into the throat. It can lead to several symptoms. One of these symptoms may be chronic cough. PND is one of the most common causes of chronic cough: cough that lasts longer than eight weeks. The particles in the mucus can cause coughing as a defense mechanism to protect the airways. Those suffering from PND may feel like clearing their throat regularly. They may also experience a sore throat, a scratchy/irritating feeling in the throat, a feeling of mucus in the throat, a feeling of something stuck in the throat, a hoarse voice and bad breath. Generally, a small amount of mucus is constantly produced by our nose and throat, which is swallowed. It ensures that the nasal mucosa remains moist, filters infection-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses and fights infections. If for any reason there is excessive secretion of mucus, it begins to collect at the back of the throat. It may also be felt as if it is dripping from the back of the nose into the throat.
The reasons for increased mucus production can be several. It primarily involves a viral infection of the nose and throat – a cold or flu. The second reason is nasal allergy/allergic rhinitis, which indicates an overreaction of the nasal mucosa to allergens such as dust mites and pollen, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes and sometimes the occurrence of PND. The third cause is sinusitis, which refers to an inflammation of air-filled spaces in the skull, the so-called paranasal sinuses. It results in PND along with other symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, pain/tenderness around the nose, forehead, eyes, cheeks, sore throat and coughing. The other reasons include a deviated nasal septum (DNS – where the wall that divides the nasal cavity into two parts moves to one side, obstructing mucus drainage and causing PND); use of certain medications to treat medical conditions such as high blood pressure; acid reflux where stomach acid flows back into the food pipe; cold weather or dry air.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines can prove to be very effective in coughing due to PND. They come from natural substances and relieve cough by controlling the mucus that drips from the back of the nose into the throat in the most harmless way, without side effects. These can also relieve any symptoms such as hawking (attempts to clear the throat), sore throat, hoarse voice, bad breath and coughing. These medicines target the root cause behind PND, which causes cough, to provide long-term relief. In homeopathy, the most suitable medicine is selected after detailed case analysis based on individual characteristic symptoms. So, it is advisable to use a homeopathic medicine after your case has been assessed by a homeopathic doctor.
Homeopathic medicines for cough due to PND
1. Corallium Rubrum – Leading medicine
Corallium Rubrum is the most recommended homeopathic medicine for treating cases of cough due to PND. In cases where this is necessary, there is excessive secretion of mucus from the nose that drips down the throat. It is accompanied by continuous coughing, usually all day long. Long coughing episodes occur at very frequent intervals. It gets worse after eating. It is followed by vomiting of thick sticky mucus. Weakness also occurs after coughing. There is also constant hawking due to the accumulation of mucus at the back of the throat.
2. Kali Bichrome – With thick, sticky, weak mucus
This medicine is very effective when thick, sticky, viscous mucous secretions flow from the back of the nose down the throat. The mucus sticks in the throat. Mucus flowing down the throat causes coughing. Coughing is accompanied by thick, yellow sticky mucus that usually comes out in the form of long threads. There is a tickling sensation in the throat that leads to coughing. There is a dry, short, persistent cough. The cough becomes worse in the morning with thick mucus. It also gets worse after eating. This medicine works best for inflamed nasal mucosa and sinusitis (sinusitis) with excessive PND and resulting cough.
3. Hydrastis – For cough with thick white/yellow mucus
Hydrastis is a natural medicine to relieve a cough accompanied by thick white/yellow mucus that falls from the back of the nose into the throat. It is also as sticky and viscous as the above drug. It is indicated for both dry and loose coughs. Dry cough is caused by irritation in the larynx (voice box). Loose coughing involves coughing up thick yellow-colored mucus. There is dryness and soreness in the throat, along with a stabbing pain.
4. Hepar Sulph – When the cough is aggravated by exposure to cold air
This medicine is of great help in aggravation of cough due to exposure to cold air. The mucus that drips down causes coughing. In addition, there is thick, yellow mucus. Cough is made worse by taking cold drinks or cold food. In addition, stabbing pain in the throat and the feeling of a plug or splinter (a small sharp piece of wood or glass broken off from a larger piece) in the throat are other problems that the person may complain of. This medicine is prominently indicated when there is a chronic cold or sinus infection with PND as one of the complaints.
5. Rumex – For dry cough that disturbs sleep
Rumex is an effective drug if there is a dry cough at night that disrupts sleep. Cough is caused by irritation in the throat. Itching occurs in the nose and reaches the throat. In cases where this is necessary, the cough is made worse by breathing in cold air. Talking also increases coughing. In addition, Rumex is a suitable medicine if cough occurs due to change in weather from cold to warm or vice versa. A lump sensation is felt in the throat, which is not relieved by hooking. You feel relief when swallowing food. In addition to the above symptoms, a scraping sensation in the throat may be felt.
6. Causticum – For worse cough in the evening
Causticum is the next well-indicated medicine when the cough worsens especially in the evening. There is coughing and the collection of excessive mucus in the throat. The coughing may last until midnight. Cough is dry. A burning sensation is felt in the throat. There is a constant urge to clear one’s throat. The mucus cannot be expelled by spitting and must be swallowed. The voice may become hoarse.
7. Cactus cacti – when coughing occurs due to mucus
Cactus cacti are beneficial when there is excessive sticky mucus in the throat and causes hawking (throat clearing) coughing. Vomiting may occur along with coughing. The throat feels pinched. It feels like there is a plug in the throat. Cough is worse in the morning upon waking. When you cough, thick mucus is released from the throat.
8. Sticta – For dry coughs at night and loose coughs in the morning
Sticta is useful when the cough is dry at night and loose in the morning. Dry cough prevents sleep at night. There is a tickling sensation in the throat that causes a coughing episode. The mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. The nose feels stuffy, along with dryness and pain.