What should you know about consistent runny nose?

Clear watery discharge with sneezing, nasal itch, or watery eyes can occur with allergic rhinitis, pet allergy, or house dust mite allergy. A common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 may bring a runny nose with cough, sore throat, fever, tiredness, or body aches. Sinusitis can add facial pressure, blocked breathing through the nose, reduced smell, or thicker mucus. Non-allergic triggers include smoke, strong smells, dry air, and changes in temperature. A runny nose alone cannot identify the cause.

Drink fluids, blow your nose gently, and consider a saline nasal rinse or spray using a safe, prepared product. Wash hands and avoid sharing towels when an infection is possible. Limit smoke, fragrance, and other personal triggers. If symptoms follow dust, pollen, or an animal, reduce exposure and note whether they improve away from it. Ask a pharmacist before using a medicated nasal spray, particularly if you have other conditions or use several medicines.

Arrange a review when the runny nose persists, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or comes with facial pain, reduced smell, fever, or worsening blockage. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling around the eyes, severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, or a clear watery leak after a head injury. Consider infection advice when respiratory symptoms are new and you may have been exposed to others.

Ask whether your symptoms fit allergy, infection, or sinus inflammation; whether testing or a nasal treatment is appropriate; and how to reduce a specific home or workplace trigger. Tell the clinician when symptoms began and whether discharge, fever, facial pressure, or smell has changed.