Dealing with Post Nasal Drip - What to do?

[thejilly]

For a few weeks now, I've had a sore throat on and off (it comes and goes). It's not severe, more of an annoyance with some referred ear pain. This week I had a family member that is an NP look at my throat to see if it was red/irritated. She noted I had quite a bit of Post Nasal Drip, but could see no other issues (I had my tonsils removed as a kid, so they definitely aren't an issue).

Thinking this might be caused by allergies (the trees and plants around are starting to bloom) I started taking some Claritin (on top of painkillers), earlier this week. I also have been gargling with salt water. Those things seemed to help for a day or two, and the issue seemed to go away.

Fast forward to last night, and I was awoken in the middle of the night with a burning pain in my stomach. This morning the burning pain keeps coming and going, and I can feel a lot of mucus dripping down the back of my throat (where I couldn't before).

Is a burning stomach usually something that can be linked to Post Nasal Drip? I have never had an issue with acid reflux, so I don't think it is that; also the burning sensation is limited only to my lower abdomen.

I typically don't have issues with severe allergies, so I'm wondering if this could be caused by a virus?

To be honest I don't have a lot of confidence in my local doctor's office, and they tend to order a bunch of tests then overcharge for them. So I'm wondering if I can get away with not seeing a doctor.

I've ordered a air purifier for my room, and am taking the allergy meds religiously, but is there something else I can take/use to alleviate these symptoms? Or should I suck it up and see a doctor?

I'll also add that with these symptoms, I've had little to no nasal congestion or coughing.

Thanks!