Common cold rhinitis: why the nose reacts

During a cold, the lining of the nose reacts to infection by becoming irritated and swollen. It may produce clear discharge at first, while thicker mucus can appear later. This change alone does not prove that a bacterial infection is present. Mouth breathing from a blocked nose can dry the throat and contribute to a cough. Nasal symptoms may also disturb sleep, especially when lying down.

Drink regularly and try saline drops or spray to moisturise the nasal lining and loosen mucus. Gentle nose blowing is less irritating than repeated forceful blowing. A warm shower or humidified air may provide temporary comfort. Keep tissues available and wash hands after blowing your nose. Decongestant products are not suitable for everyone and some nasal sprays should only be used for a short time, so follow the product instructions or ask a pharmacist.

Seek medical advice for trouble breathing, swelling around the eyes, severe facial pain, a persistent high temperature, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement. Get help if you cannot keep fluids down or if a child is struggling to breathe through the nose while feeding. Ongoing symptoms may need assessment for sinusitis or another cause. See [Blocked Nose](/symptoms/blocked-nose/) for related guidance.

Ask which nasal treatment is suitable for your age and health conditions, how long to use it, and whether allergies, sinusitis, or another issue could be contributing. Tell the clinician about discharge, facial pain, sleep disruption, and any medicines you already use.