Runny Nose

A runny nose, or rhinorrhoea, happens when nasal tissues produce or release extra fluid and may accompany allergy, infection, irritation, or sinus inflammation.

Fluid may be clear and watery or become thicker. You may need to wipe or blow your nose often, notice post-nasal drip at the back of the throat, or have congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, reduced smell, cough, or facial pressure at the same time.

Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, confusion, a stiff neck, severe headache, or symptoms after a significant head injury. Seek prompt assessment for a baby who is feeding poorly, for severe facial swelling or eye pain, or for one-sided watery drainage that starts after head trauma.

The conditions below are listed alphabetically rather than by likelihood. Allergic rhinitis, house dust mite allergy, and pet allergy can cause sneezing, itching, and watery discharge after exposure to a trigger. A common cold, COVID-19, or influenza can bring nasal symptoms with sore throat, cough, aches, or fever. Sinusitis may be considered when congestion and facial pressure persist.

Your clinician may ask when symptoms occur, whether they follow dust, animals, pollen, smoke, cleaning products, or illness contacts, and what other symptoms are present. They may inspect the nose and throat and check the ears, chest, and face when indicated. Allergy testing, a swab, or other tests are considered only when the history and examination point to a need.

Saline spray or rinses can help clear mucus and soothe a dry nose. Allergy care may include reducing exposure to a known trigger and using medication recommended by a pharmacist or clinician. Viral illnesses are often managed with rest, fluids, and relief of troublesome symptoms. Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for longer than directed, because repeated use can worsen blockage.

Wash hands regularly, avoid sharing cups when unwell, and cover coughs and sneezes. If a particular allergen causes symptoms, reduce contact where practical: keep bedroom surfaces easy to clean, wash bedding, and keep pets out of sleeping areas if pet exposure is a trigger. Avoid tobacco smoke, strong fragrances, and dusty air when they irritate your nose.

Note the colour and thickness of the discharge, whether one or both nostrils are affected, and any sneezing, itching, fever, cough, wheeze, facial pain, or loss of smell. This information can help distinguish an exposure-related pattern from an infection or another nasal problem.

Nasal drainage that keeps returning can disturb sleep, cause throat clearing, or make asthma symptoms harder to manage. Book a review if symptoms are prolonged, interfere with daily activities, recur with a clear trigger, or do not improve with sensible self-care. The plan may include checking for allergy, sinus inflammation, or another contributor.