What should you know about constant cold and runny nose?

A common cold often brings a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, and a gradual improvement. Allergic rhinitis may cause clear discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes, or symptoms linked to dust, pollen, or animals. House dust mite allergy and pet allergy are specific possibilities when symptoms persist indoors or around a particular animal. Influenza and COVID-19 can cause nasal symptoms alongside fever, aches, cough, sore throat, or tiredness. Sinusitis may cause facial pressure, blocked nose, thick discharge, reduced smell, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement. A runny nose alone cannot identify the cause.

Note the colour and thickness of discharge, triggers, fever, cough, facial pressure, and whether symptoms affect sleep. Rest, drink fluids, and use saline nasal rinsing or spray if suitable for you. Avoid smoke and other irritants. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using decongestant sprays for more than a short period, as overuse can worsen blockage. Arrange review when symptoms persist, recur frequently, or interfere with breathing, sleep, work, or school.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, severe drowsiness, confusion, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Prompt medical review is needed for severe facial pain or swelling, a persistent high fever, stiff neck, dehydration, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening. Follow local advice about testing and staying home if COVID-19 or influenza is possible.

Ask whether the pattern suggests allergy, infection, or sinus inflammation; whether testing is useful; which nasal treatment suits you; and how to reduce exposure to a suspected dust, pollen, or pet trigger.