What does runny nose feel like with allergic rhinitis?

You may feel fluid running from the front of the nose or down the back of the throat. The nose can itch, feel swollen, or alternate between dripping and blocked. Repeated sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and an irritated throat often occur together. Symptoms may appear after contact with triggers such as dust, pollen, mould, or animal dander and may ease when you leave that setting. Thick coloured mucus, fever, or facial pain suggests a different pattern that deserves assessment.

Limit contact with known triggers when practical, wash your face after outdoor exposure, and keep bedroom surfaces clean. Saline nasal rinses may wash irritants from the nose; use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water as directed. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on an antihistamine or nasal spray that suits you. Follow the product instructions and ask for help if symptoms continue despite treatment.

Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, faintness, or rapidly spreading hives. Arrange medical review for one-sided persistent discharge, repeated nosebleeds, severe facial pain, high fever, or symptoms that interfere with sleep and daily activities. A clinician can check whether allergy, infection, medication, or another nasal problem is responsible.

Which triggers might be contributing to my symptoms? Is a nasal spray or antihistamine appropriate? How should I use a saline rinse safely? Do I need allergy testing if the runny nose keeps returning?