Your sinuses are always draining, producing up to 1/2 gallon of fluids each day. Every day normal body functions produce saliva and mucus that we don't notice. But when sinus drainage becomes so thick it irritates your throat and causes difficulty swallowing, you want to know how to stop chronic sinus drainage. Knowing what health conditions cause it helps you to prevent abnormal sinus drainage from your nasal passages or down the back of your throat.
Viral infections such as influenza and colds can cause excessive sinus drainage. Though you can't make a cold of the flu go away, you can treat symptoms with decongestants, humidifiers, hot soup and tea.
Sinus drainage can be caused by temperature changes. Very hot and very cold temperatures can make your sinuses produce thick mucus. Being exposed to allergens like mold, pollen and dust can also trigger chronic sinus drainage. Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus.
Fumes and pollutants can irritate your sinus passages. Avoid smoke, gasoline, exhaust fumes and paint; they can cause excessive sinus drainage.
When you become dehydrated, your body limits the amount of fluid to the glands that produce mucus. Drinking enough of the right kinds of fluids and avoiding fluids with caffeine and alcohol that can dehydrate you more can help.
Acid reflux disease is a condition in which the muscle that keeps stomach acid from entering the esophagus doesn't work right. When stomach acid rises into your throat, it can cause chronic sinus drainage. Treating acid reflux can relieve sinus drainage problems.