Post-Nasal Drip Nausea: Causes and Treatments
Published December 16th, 2019 | Updated December 6, 2021
Having nasal mucus is normal, especially when you inhaled an irritant, such as smoke or pollen, that triggers allergic reactions. It is an excellent sign that your body is fighting the invading germs.
However, when your body produces more and thicker mucus than usual, some of it tends to drip down the back of your nose to your throat. This is what we call post-nasal drip. Over time, the excess nasal mucus will build up and provide an ideal breeding ground for germs and other bacteria which can lead to infection. When this happens, irritating and uncomfortable symptoms may occur including nausea.
Why Does Post-Nasal Drip Cause Nausea?
Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach where you feel like you are about to throw up. It is important to take note that it is not a disease but a symptom of various medical conditions. And in this case, nausea is one of the common symptoms of post-nasal drip.
So why does post-nasal drip cause nausea?
When the excess mucus gets infected, it will have nowhere else to go but down your throat and then to your stomach. The build-up of mucus upsets the stomach, which in turn causes what we call the post-nasal drip nausea.
How to Relieve Post-Nasal Drip Nausea
There are several ways to control or relieve nausea. You can try:
- Drinking clear or ice-cold drinks.
- Eating light and bland foods (e.g., crackers or plain bread)
- Avoiding fried, greasy, or sweet foods
- Eating smaller but frequent meals.
There are also natural ways to ease the discomfort that nausea brings you. These include:
- Eating ginger. Ginger is famous for reducing nausea and calming an upset stomach.
- Try Peppermint Aromatherapy. One study shows that peppermint oil can be a useful supplement in alleviating nausea.
- Slice a lemon. One study showed that lemon scent effectively reduces nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. But this may work for those suffering from post-nasal drip nausea too.
While the above treatments for alleviating nausea are effective, they are only temporary solutions. Think of them as like a first-aid solution.
The best way to avoid post-nasal drip nausea is, obviously, preventing post-nasal drip.
How to Prevent Post-Nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip usually resolves on its own. However, prolonged post-nasal drip can also lead to unwanted complications, such as ear and nose infections, which are typically accompanied by nausea. To avoid this, here are several ways to get rid of post-nasal drip:
Probiotics
Taking probiotics is one of the most highly recommended treatments for post-nasal drip.
One study showed that regular intake of probiotics reduces nasal pathogenic bacteria. With less to no harmful bacteria in your body, the less mucus your body will produce, and the less you are likely to get an infection.
Fortunately, there are now probiotic supplements that can treat and prevent various ear, nose, and mouth issues. Thanks to Bionaze for making it possible! It is a one-of-a-kind probiotic supplement formulated with two cutting-edge probiotic strains, BLIS K12 and Bl-04. It’s also available in lozenge form too, which makes it even more effective. (Related: The Benefits of Taking Probiotics in Lozenge Form)
Home Remedies
Aside from probiotics, you can also get rid of post-nasal drip through these various home remedies:
- Prop your head slightly. Keeping your head slightly elevated drains mucus to your nasal passages and prevents it from dripping down your throat.
- Use a humidifier. Dry winter air forces your body to produce more mucus. That’s why using a humidifier and adding moisture into the air helps regulate your nasal mucus production preventing mucus buildup.
- Steam inhalation. Inhaling steam helps moisturize your nasal passages and thins out the mucus allowing them to easily pass through.
- Nasal irrigation. Irrigating your nasal cavities with salt and water loosens the mucus buildup. This allows them to easily drain out of your nose.
- Gargle saltwater. Just like nasal irrigation, gargling water with salt helps loosen up your mucus allowing easy drainage.
Want more tips? Read our post on how to get rid of post-nasal drip.
When to Call the Doctor
If nausea does not subside with the natural remedies mentioned above or with over-the-counter medications, contact your physician or go to the nearest hospital. Nausea can also be a symptom of a medical emergency, which requires medical attention.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.
