Asthma and runny nose

Allergic rhinitis commonly presents with a watery runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching and congestion. The same allergens, such as house dust mites or pet dander, may trigger coughing, wheezing or chest tightness in someone with asthma. A cold, influenza or COVID-19 can also cause nasal discharge while irritating sensitive airways. Thick discharge with facial pressure may fit sinusitis, but discharge colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Continue prescribed asthma preventer treatment and follow your written asthma action plan. Use your reliever inhaler exactly as directed if asthma symptoms occur. Saline nasal spray or rinsing may clear mucus and allergens; use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water for a rinse device. Reduce exposure to a suspected trigger when practical, and note whether nasal and chest symptoms occur together. Check with a clinician or pharmacist before using a decongestant, especially if you have another health condition or take other medicines.

Arrange a clinical review if asthma symptoms are waking you, limiting activity, recurring more than usual, or needing reliever medicine more often than your action plan allows. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, confusion, marked drowsiness, or symptoms that do not improve after the action plan's emergency steps. Nasal symptoms with swelling of the tongue or throat, widespread hives, faintness or sudden breathing trouble also require emergency care.

Ask whether the pattern suggests allergy, infection or sinus inflammation; whether your inhaler technique and asthma action plan need checking; and which nasal treatment is compatible with your medicines. Mention fever, facial pain, exposure to allergens, nighttime symptoms and any recent change in reliever use.