Sinus drainage in the throat can be very annoying and bothersome. Actually, it occurs regularly when you are perfectly healthy. Several times in a day, you swallow saliva and mucus produced by the lungs, nose, throat, and sinuses. You notice it only when the drainage causes a strep throat, or is so thick that it is hard to swallow. Abnormal drainage can result in an upset stomach. You should find out the cause behind this condition so that the treatment can be designed accordingly. Causes If the cause of this condition is a simple cold and flu, then you may take proper medications after consulting your physician. But if the reason behind draining sinuses is an allergy, you should first take action to eliminate the triggers in your environment (pet dander, laundry detergent, flowers, etc.) so that the drainage stops altogether. A number of health conditions and environmental factors, such as extreme temperature changes, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), can cause this condition. It is usually experienced in the back of the throat and is the result of some type of infection, like bacteria obstructing normal drainage from the sinus cavities. Home Remedies Massage: Massage to the nose and part around the nose can help. Acupressure along with a facial massage works wonders. Antihistamines: It should be noted that antihistamines would not be the best choice in dealing with the drainage experienced during a cold or flu. Antihistamines can actually thicken the mucus, blocking the path and possibly leading to an infection. Drinking Plenty of Water: Drinking plenty of water and increasing intake of fluids helps cure such conditions owing to allergies and environmental factors. Proper hydration can thin out your mucus secretions, which can help get rid of the problem fast. You can drink plenty of fluids except for dehydrating ones like alcohol and caffeine. Decongestants: You can opt for a decongestant and a painkiller. But it is important to read the label carefully and consult your doctor, before taking any medicine. If decongestants do not offer adequate relief, you can use a decongestant nasal spray. Remember, you should not use a spray for longer than four days, since long term use can result in a rebound nasal congestion. Nasal Irrigation: Sinus infection treatment also involves making use of nasal irrigation. You may try shooting a mixture of water and saline into the sinus cavity which will help clear up the cavity as it will drain right back out of the nose. You can use a neti pot, which provides an efficient way of practicing nasal irrigation. Steam Inhalation: Steam inhalation is the safest and easiest natural remedy, which works great. To avoid this condition, you should take proper steps to relieve the nasal blockage by draining the sinuses of the accumulated mucus. Steam inhalation is the perfect way of clearing up sinuses. Before steam inhalation, you may add a few drops of lemon oil or eucalyptus oil to the boiling water, as this will help get rid of headache and sinus pain fast. Antibiotics: The infection and the drainage accumulated in throat can result in a painful throat. You might experience increased sinus drainage in throat at night. Lying down can worsen the problem. In such cases, your physician might prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. These antibiotics are meant to clear up the infection caused by bacteria. Along with clearing up the infection, antibiotics also rob your intestinal tract of the "good bacteria" that are essential for digestion. This results in diarrhea. You should avoid spicy foods if you are on antibiotics. Like several other medical conditions, draining sinuses require prompt action and responsible observation. Leaving the diagnosis for a later stage or neglecting the condition will invariably result in recurring infections. Untreated infections can cause an infection in the ear and can weaken the immune system significantly. Hence, it is best to avail prompt treatment at the right time. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.