Post nasal drip and sore throat are commons symptoms of cold, flu and hay fever. When the sinuses oversecrete, the excess mucus drains down the throat. Some mucus clings to the back of the throat and causes irritation. The link between post nasal drip and sore throat is one of cause and effect.

Under normal conditions, sinuses create mucus to control air moisture and capture particles in the air. Conditions such as illness; dust or allergens in the air, especially dry air; spicy foods; and even bright lights can cause an increase in mucus secretion. In cases of infection, the mucus might thicken and become opaque.

Excess mucus flows out of the sinuses, either out of the nostrils or down the back of the throat — a process called post nasal drip. Often, the mucus clings to the throat and can cause an unpleasant, sticky sensation and a bad taste as well as a scratchy or sore irritation. Post nasal drip and sore throat can lead to infection of the upper respiratory tract.

When experiencing post nasal drip and sore throat, the sufferer’s voice is likely to become gravelly or hoarse. The person might need to clear the throat or cough repeatedly or might feel a constant tickle in the throat. A frequent urge to swallow is likely, and the person also might feel the urge to spit or snort to clear away the mucus. Bad breath also is common in people with post nasal drip and sore throat.

Depending on the cause, post nasal drip and sore throat could require a visit to the doctor, but there are some simple steps that might relieve the symptoms. For an irritation from an environmental source, such as with dust or an allergen, a change of scenery should offer immediate relief. When someone is suffering from post nasal drip and sore throat, it is important for him or her to get plenty to drink. Drinking not only replaces the fluids lost by mucus secretion, it also helps rinse the throat clean and reduces irritation. Gargling with salt water will rinse away mucus and fights infection.

After infection takes hold, prescription antibiotics probably will be required. Other prescription and nonprescription medications, such as pain killers or decongestants, might be recommended to manage the symptoms. Even if no specific signs of infection are present, anyone who experiences post nasal drip and sore throat for more than five days should get medical attention.