Some of the most effective cures for post-nasal drip are antihistamines and allergy medications. Antibiotics can also be useful when symptoms are related to bacterial infections. Typically, post-nasal drip causes mucus to run down the throat, and produces constant throat clearing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes upset stomach. In addition to infection, post-nasal drip can be caused by allergies, hay fever, and eating spicy foods.

Before a successful treatment plan can be put into place, the exact cause needs to be determined. Doctors will sometimes refer the patient to an allergist if traditional cures for post-nasal drip do not work. Occasionally, cures for post-nasal drip cannot be found, because this condition is often chronic and resistant to remedies.

Antihistamines are widely prescribed as effective cures for post-nasal drip. They work by drying up nasal secretions and discouraging them from dripping down the throat. Although antihistamines dry up mucus in the nose, they can also cause a dry mouth, urinary retention, sleepiness, and morning grogginess. Decongestants are not generally used as cures for post-nasal drip because they are only effective for reducing nasal inflammation and not drying up nasal secretions. In addition, decongestants can cause palpitations, restlessness, and insomnia.

When allergies are the culprit in post-nasal drip, allergy medications are often recommended. These medications help the patient become desensitized to known allergens, which can help relieve symptoms. Allergy suffers often have this chronic condition throughout their lives, so allergy medications are poor examples of cures for post-nasal drip.

A disturbing complaint of those who suffer from post-nasal drip is gastrointestinal distress and nausea, which occurs when bacteria-laden mucus is swallowed. Over-the-counter antacids are usually helpful in relieving stomach symptoms, however, when nausea persists, the physician should be notified.

Certain people are susceptible to the effects of spicy foods on the sinuses. For these individuals, eating hot and spicy foods can trigger a post-nasal drip episode, which can last for many hours. When the offending foods are eliminated from the diet, however, symptoms generally subside.

Although there are no permanent cures for post-nasal drip, there are effective treatments that are useful in relieving or reducing symptoms. The physician can best recommend a treatment plan based on the cause of the condition and whether the patient will be able to tolerate side effects. For people who drive every day, alternatives to taking antihistamines might be suggested by the physician, because these medications can alter response time and cause the driver to fall asleep at the wheel.