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What should you know about frequent runny nose?

Where Runny Nose is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Runny Nose is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Frequent runny nose is commonly linked with allergies, viral infections, irritants, or sinus inflammation rather than one single cause.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Clues to record
Discharge, exposures, fever, facial pain, and smell changes
Simple measure
Saline rinsing with safe water and clean equipment

What may be behind it

Clear discharge with sneezing, itchy eyes, or symptoms after exposure can occur with [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/), [House Dust Mite Allergy](/conditions/house-dust-mite-allergy/), or [Pet Allergy](/conditions/pet-allergy/). A blocked or runny nose with sore throat and cough can accompany a [Common Cold](/conditions/common-cold/), [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/), or [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/). Facial pressure, reduced smell, or thick discharge may point towards [Sinusitis](/conditions/sinusitis/). Irritating fumes, smoke, dry air, and changes in temperature can also trigger symptoms.

How to manage it

Note the colour and amount of discharge, exposures, season, fever, facial pain, and how long symptoms last. Saline nasal rinsing may loosen mucus; use safe water and clean equipment. Avoid smoke and known triggers, wash hands, and rest when infection is possible. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an antihistamine or nasal treatment suits you, particularly if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

When to seek care

Arrange medical advice when symptoms persist, repeatedly disrupt sleep, or come with facial swelling, significant facial pain, high fever, or breathing difficulty. Seek urgent help for severe breathing problems, confusion, swelling of the lips or tongue, or a serious allergic reaction.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, infection, sinus inflammation, or irritation; which nasal treatments are appropriate; and whether persistent blockage needs an examination.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Does a runny nose always mean a cold?

No. Allergies, irritants, sinus inflammation, and several viral infections can all cause nasal discharge.

When should recurring symptoms be checked?

Seek advice when they persist, disturb sleep, repeatedly return, or occur with facial pain, fever, or breathing difficulty.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.