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I keep sneezing and have a 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

Sneezing with a runny nose commonly follows allergic rhinitis, a viral infection, or nasal irritation; check the discharge, timing, and other symptoms.

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

At a glance

Clear watery discharge
Often occurs with allergy or irritation, but is not diagnostic.
Infection clues
Fever, cough, aches, or marked tiredness may accompany infection.
Record
Track onset, exposures, fever, and whether symptoms are improving.

Possible explanations

Allergic rhinitis often causes clear, watery discharge, bouts of sneezing, nasal or eye itching, and symptoms linked to a place or exposure. A common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 may bring sneezing with sore throat, cough, tiredness, fever, or body aches. Sinusitis can involve facial pressure, blocked drainage, reduced smell, or symptoms that change after an infection. House dust mites and pets are possible indoor triggers. These patterns overlap, so the symptom combination does not establish a diagnosis.

What may help

Drink enough fluid to avoid a dry mouth, use saline nasal spray if comfortable, and gently blow your nose. Reduce smoke, strong fragrance, and dust exposure. Wash hands and avoid close contact with people who are unwell while infection is possible. Note whether symptoms follow cleaning, pets, outdoor exposure, or a new medicine. A pharmacist or clinician can advise treatment and whether testing is appropriate.

When to seek care

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, blue or grey lips, or severe dehydration. Seek prompt medical advice for severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, a persistent high fever, blood from the nose that will not stop, or symptoms that are worsening. Arrange a review when the runny nose keeps recurring or interferes with sleep and daily activity.

Questions to bring

Does the timing fit an allergy or an infection? Do I need testing for a respiratory infection? Could sinusitis be contributing? Which nasal treatment is suitable with my medicines and health conditions?

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. Allergic rhinitis, pet or dust-mite exposure, irritants, and other nasal conditions can also cause it.

When should sneezing and a runny nose be checked?

Arrange a review if symptoms recur, disrupt daily life, or come with severe pain, fever, breathing difficulty, or dehydration.

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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.