Overview
Experiencing sinus infection and nausea simultaneously is not uncommon but very unpleasant, as it adds insult to injury. The culprit for these symptoms is post-nasal drip, which can upset your stomach or digestive system. Fortunately, several options are available to relieve these symptoms. This article discusses sinus drainage nausea and explores an upset stomach from a sinus drainage remedy.
Can sinus drainage cause an upset stomach?
Besides the symptoms, including headaches, congestion, and pressure inside/around the sinus, sinus infections can also cause post-nasal drip, leading to sinus infection nausea that can induce vomiting as well. Hence, a link between drainage and stomach issues is there. The nightmare may not be over yet. Post-nasal drip can cause a raw and sore throat, and in some cases, the pain can spread up to the ears.
On the bright side, nausea from sinus drainage and post-nasal drip vomiting can be relieved by over-the-counter and at-home remedies as well. However, in cases where sinus drainage nausea persists or you are throwing up thick, clear mucus, it is best to consult a doctor who can help diagnose and treat your sinus problems.
Why does a sinus infection make you feel so unwell?
Can sinus drainage cause diarrhea?
Can drainage from a cold cause diarrhea?
Can mucus cause diarrhea?
Can post nasal drip cause diarrhea?
Let us now address all such questions.
There is a link between sinus and stomach problems. Sinusitis results from a sinus infection, where the sinuses are primarily blocked by excess mucus/fluids. These fluids can appear as bright yellow snot and obstruct proper nasal drainage.
Resultantly, post-nasal drip causes mucus to accumulate at the back of your nose, which trickles down your throat, causing soreness. The excess mucus can drain into your stomach, triggering nausea and vomiting in some patients. These symptoms particularly worsen late at night and early in the morning once the stomach is empty.
People who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastric conditions are more vulnerable to developing nausea from post-nasal drip, but anyone with sinusitis can experience an upset. Chronic sinus infection increases the risk for chronic stomach problems, so evaluation by a healthcare provider is a must.
How do I settle my stomach after a post nasal drip?
Now, we will address the questions on how to stop nausea from post-nasal drip and the post-nasal drip nausea treatment.
In many cases, simple dietary changes can go a long way in helping relieve the symptoms of sinus-related nausea.
- Consume herbal teas: Herbal teas containing peppermint or chamomile soothe sinus pain while relieving nausea.
- Consume ginger: Similarly, eating ginger reduces the inflammation and nausea caused by sinusitis. If pure ginger isn’t an option, ginger capsules or tea are worth considering.
- Avoid dairy: Dairy products can help harbor the bacteria and actively increase mucus creation. Hence, avoiding dairy can reduce levels of harmful bacteria and provide symptom relief.
If symptoms persist despite trying an upset stomach from a sinus drainage remedy, chronic sinusitis may be aggravating your symptoms. You might have chronic sinusitis and will need to seek professional mucus-upset stomach treatment.
What is the best medication to dry up sinus drainage?
It may be hard to pinpoint the underlying cause of post-nasal drip-induced nausea or stomach upset caused by the nasal drip. Regardless, the following ways will help you treat nausea from sinus drainage.
Dr Richard has suggested home remedies and medications that are worth a try:
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants: These will help deal with the post-nasal drip and clear up the congestion irrespective of the cause, that can include allergies, sinusitis or, a cold or a virus.
- Elevate your head when sleeping: This helps the body drain the excess mucus and deal with the associated acid reflux.
- Monitor your diet: Do not eat spicy, greasy, or acidic foods, as these may worsen acid reflux and post nasal drip. In some cases, taking PPIs such as omeprazole can help.
- Avoid smoking and vaping: Exposure to smoke can increase mucus production and aggravate GERD.
How do you get rid of sinus drainage at home?
Are you still looking for a perfect upset stomach from a sinus drainage remedy? Here are further options worth exploring; pick your favorite to help deal with congestion and nausea.
- Hydration: Hydration helps keep the consistency of the mucus thinner and helps prevent clogging and congestion.
- Drink warm fluids/ soups or teas: This will aid in making the mucus thin and clear out excess mucus.
- Take hot showers or use a humidifier: Steam therapy can do wonders, helping to open up your nasal passages and keeping them moist. All this, in turn, helps prevent nausea and upset stomach from post-nasal drip.
- Gargle with salt water: This helps alleviate post-nasal drip and a sore throat.
- Use a saline nasal spray. This option helps combat allergies and other irritants from your nasal lining.
- Try a neti pot: This nasal irrigation method can provide quick and effective relief. However, be sure to follow the instructions provided.
How long does it take for post-nasal drip to go away?
The duration of post nasal drip is directly related to the cause. In case of chronic sinusitis or GERD, it can persist for weeks or months. For acute conditions such as allergies or cold and flu, it may last for a few days.
Consult a doctor
Post-nasal drip results from the overproduction of mucus that drains down the back of your throat and can lead to an upset stomach, causing nausea and vomiting. The throat irritation or inflammation due to a cold or sinusitis can make you more sensitive to post nasal drip nausea, but luckily, lots of home remedies can potentially help. However, an upset stomach from a sinus drainage remedy may not always be the best solution for you. It is best to talk to our doctor at Your Doctors online who can help diagnose your condition and devise the correct treatment plan for you.
FAQs about upset stomach from sinus drainage
Several options help relieve postnasal drip symptoms. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine are classified as non-drowsy antihistamines that reduce mucus production.
Spicy and citrus fruits and caffeinated beverages can all worsen reflux and post-nasal drip. Avoiding these food items can help keep the symptoms at bay.
Sinus drainage can affect gastrointestinal health. Excess mucus drainage can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. Inflammation or irritation of the digestive tract may lead to digestive system symptoms, including bloating.
Excess mucus can enter the digestive tract and eventually lead to infection or irritation. As a result, a person can experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
