This article covers the symptoms and top causes of rhinorrhea. It also discusses treatment for a runny nose and when to see a healthcare provider for your symptoms.
Symptoms of Rhinorrhea
Typically, rhinorrhea is a symptom of a health problem (like a cold) or an environmental trigger that is causing a runny nose (like allergies). Symptoms associated with rhinorrhea may include:
Clear dischargeThick dischargeNasal congestionCoughFeverItchy eyes or noseSneezing
Causes of Rhinorrhea
Some of the most common causes of rhinorrhea are:
Viruses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19 A sinus infection Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
Viruses can cause rhinorrhea because germs can infiltrate your nasal lining and your sinuses, the hollow, air-filled cavities in the skull around your nose. This causes the nose to make clear discharge, or mucus, to try to get rid of the virus.
It’s also normal for mucus to change color after the first couple of days, going from clear to white, yellow, or green.
With a sinus infection, the fluid caused by the infection builds up in one or more of the sinuses around your nose. That can lead to a runny nose as well as a sore throat, a headache, and mucus that goes down the back of your throat (postnasal drip).
Allergies can cause a runny nose as your body reacts to the allergen. This could include pollen, mold, dust, or other triggers. Other symptoms you may have include coughing, congestion, and an itchy nose or itchy eyes.
What Medications Can Cause a Runny Nose?
Many medications can cause side effects, including rhinorrhea. This occurrence is referred to as nonallergic rhinitis. These medications include:
Antidepressants Birth control pills Blood pressure medications (like ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and beta-blockers) Erectile dysfunction medications Some medications used to treat prostate enlargement
If you experience a runny nose without a specific cause while on one of these types of medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. There may be other, similar medications that would work for you, or you may be able to take something to counteract symptoms such as rhinorrhea.
Certain recreational drugs, like cocaine, also can cause rhinorrhea.
How to Treat Rhinorrhea
There are a few ways that you can treat rhinorrhea. Some of the treatments address the overall cause of symptoms related to a runny nose, such as a cold or the flu. Always consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking medications that are new for you or if you are treating a runny nose in children. Many cold medicines are not recommended for young children.
You can treat rhinorrhea in the following ways:
Drink plenty of fluids: A dry nose may produce too much mucus. Fluids like water can help provide lubrication to the nose. Blow your nose: Do so gently and as needed. Use a saline (saltwater) spray three to four times a day: These sprays are available at supermarkets and pharmacies. You can also make one at home using a cup of warm distilled or sterile water, one-half teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. Get more rest: This is especially helpful if you have the cold, flu, or other illnesses. If you have rhinorrhea along with itchy eyes and sneezing, you may have allergies: A type of medication called antihistamines may be helpful. Some antihistamines can make you feel tired. Always check with a healthcare provider before using a new medication. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal steroid spray: These can help lower inflammation and fluid in the nose. Try a decongestant nasal spray: Be sure to use this for no more than two to three days. A decongestant nasal spray can actually worsen nasal symptoms when used longer than that time frame. Avoid triggers: If you know that certain things trigger your runny nose, like environmental allergens, try to avoid those triggers. Take antibiotics when prescribed: Antibiotics can treat a sinus infection caused by bacteria. This type of medication will not help a sinus infection caused by a virus. It’s not always clear to healthcare providers if the cause of a sinus infection is viral or bacterial.
Complications Associated With a Runny Nose
Most of the time, a runny nose is not serious. Occasionally, there are complications associated with a runny nose, including:
Having an infection that requires antibiotics: Many sinus infections are caused by viruses and get better gradually. A sinus infection that is caused by bacteria needs antibiotic medicine to get better. Leaking of fluid from the brain, also called a cerebrospinal fluid leak: This can occur after head trauma or sinus surgery. Sometimes, there is no clear cause. It happens when a hole or tear occurs in the membranes around the brain or spinal cord. The leaking of this fluid causes a watery discharge from the nose along with other symptoms, like nausea and a sense of imbalance. Surgery is sometimes required to treat people with a cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Are There Tests to Diagnose Rhinorrhea?
A healthcare provider will not conduct a test to diagnose rhinorrhea. However, there are tests, such as rapid tests that take a sample from the nose, that can help diagnose some of rhinorrhea’s common causes, including the flu or COVID-19.
If a healthcare provider suspects another cause for rhinorrhea beyond a virus or sinus infection, other tests may be needed. These include:
An allergy test A blood test An X-ray of the sinuses A computed tomography (CT) scan
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider for rhinorrhea if you have:
A runny nose only in one nostrilA runny nose that is getting worse, not betterA feverPain in your sinusesNasal discharge after a head injuryMucus that is changing color or that smells badA runny nose along with sneezing and itchy eyes, and you are not aware of specific allergiesA sore throat that is getting worse
Summary
Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, is very common and associated with many potential causes. The common cold, the flu, COVID-19, a sinus infection, and allergies are some of the most prevalent causes of rhinorrhea. When you have rhinorrhea, you may have clear or thick mucus. Using a saline spray and gently blowing your nose can help treat your runny nose. There also are medications that can help with a runny nose.
Rhinorrhea is usually not serious. You should see a doctor for rhinorrhea if you notice that your runny nose is getting worse or if you have a fever or sinus pain.
A Word From Verywell
Because rhinorrhea can have many causes, it may be difficult to pinpoint the reason for your runny nose. Fortunately, at-home treatments can help. And measures like washing your hands frequently can prevent you from passing germs to those around you. When in doubt, talk to a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your runny nose and to find relief.
