Relieve Post-Nasal Drip: Effective Strategies for Sinus Drainage

Sinus drainage is a result of a sinus infection or perhaps the aftermath of a cold. Sinus drainage can make breathing, speaking and even drinking difficult. If you've already gone to the doctor and gotten meds to treat your sinus infection, you probably have figured out that sinus drainage doesn't always disappear right away. While it will take some work, there are things you can do to prevent the accumulation of excess drainage.

Things You'll Need

• Decongestants
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Shower Hot water
• Mucinex
• Robitussin

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Instructions

• 1

  Take medicine. Decongestants such as Robitussin can help minimize excess drainage by loosening up the mucous. There is also a product called Mucinex whose sole purpose is to relieve sinus drainage. You can pick up both Robitussin and Mucinex at your local pharmacy. Take all medications as directed. Read all ingredients if you have any known drug allergies as many medications are combinations of several drugs.

• 2

  Drink a lot of water. Make sure that you drink ample amounts of water. Not only will water keep you hydrated, but it will also thin excess sinus drainage. If you don't drink enough water, you will become dehydrated, which will encourage excess drainage. Drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day is recommended. You may want to up your intake while you are battling any type of illness.

• 3

  Lay off the dairy products. Dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and whole milk contribute to the production of phlegm. This causes sinus drainage to become even thicker, which makes it harder to breathe, speak and drink.

• 4

  Drink apple cider vinegar to thin mucous. Adding apple cider vinegar to your favorite juice or water can help reduce sinus drainage. Add approximately ¼ cup to your favorite beverage, or if you're brave, drink it straight. Research shows that apple cider vinegar helps thin mucous.

• 5

  Take a hot shower. Not only does taking a hot shower feel great, but it also opens up your airways, making it easier for you to breathe. The steam from the hot water helps to loosen up mucous and prevent excess sinus drainage. Good luck!