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I have a runny nose: what should I know?

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

A runny nose commonly comes from an allergy, a cold, or another irritation; check the discharge and accompanying symptoms, and seek care for breathing trouble or severe illness.

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

At a glance

Useful clue
Itchy eyes and clear discharge often suggest an allergic trigger
Self-care
Fluids, rest, saline, and avoiding smoke or known triggers

Clues from your symptoms

Clear watery discharge with sneezing or itchy eyes can fit allergic rhinitis, including house dust mite or pet allergy. A cold, influenza, or COVID-19 may bring sore throat, cough, tiredness, fever, or body aches. Facial pressure, reduced smell, or symptoms that improve and then worsen can occur with sinusitis. Discharge colour by itself does not identify the cause.

Comfort measures

Drink fluids, rest, and use saline spray or rinse if it feels helpful. Avoid smoke, strong scents, and known allergens. Wash hands and dispose of tissues promptly when infection is possible. Ask a pharmacist about suitable symptom relief, especially if you are pregnant, have a long-term condition, or take regular medicines.

When to contact a clinician

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, severe dehydration, or a very unwell appearance. Arrange medical advice for severe facial pain, persistent high fever, chest symptoms, symptoms after a significant exposure, or a runny nose that is not improving and is disrupting sleep or daily activities.

Information to share

Describe the onset, discharge, possible exposures, fever, cough, facial pain, smell changes, and whether symptoms are seasonal or linked to a place or animal. Ask whether allergy management, infection testing, or another examination is appropriate.

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 coloured mucus prove I need antibiotics?

No. Mucus colour alone cannot determine the cause or the need for antibiotics. Other symptoms and their course matter.

Can allergies cause a runny nose?

Yes. Allergic rhinitis may cause repeated clear discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes after exposure to a trigger.

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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.