Five Reasons You May Have a Runny Nose

A runny nose also referred to as rhinorrhea or rhinitis, can happen at any time during the year for a number of reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic, rhinorrhea refers to a thin, mostly clear nasal discharge, while rhinitis refers to the inflammation of nasal tissues.

Let’s look at a few of the most common causes of a runny nose, as well as when to see a doctor for your symptoms.

Common Cold

A cold is one of the most likely culprits of a runny nose. It’s caused by several viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common. When you have a cold, mucus from a runny nose may start out clear and slowly turn white or even into a yellowish/green color as your body fights the infection.

In addition to a runny nose, you may experience nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue and a cough.

Allergies

If you have allergies, you almost certainly deal with a runny nose as one of your symptoms. Depending on your allergy triggers, symptoms can occur when you’re exposed to cat hair or biking through Cooper River Park. If you have seasonal allergies (hay fever), you’re most likely to experience symptoms in the spring and/or fall.

Chronic Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation and swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. If it lasts 12 weeks or more, it’s considered chronic sinusitis.

Apart from a runny nose, chronic sinusitis may cause symptoms such as facial pressure, drainage down the back of the throat, congestion and a loss or weakened sense of smell and/or taste.

Sinus Polyps

Sinus polyps are soft growths inside your nose and sinuses, which can make it difficult to breathe. They are usually caused by chronic inflammation and are more common in people with conditions like asthma, allergies and chronic sinusitis. Additionally, polyps cause many of the same symptoms as chronic sinusitis, including facial pressure and/or pain and congestion.

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum involves the bone and cartilage dividing your nasal cavity, which becomes off-center or crooked. It often occurs during birth or fetal development. However, it can also be the result of an injury later in life.

If you have a deviated septum, you may struggle to breathe out of one or both nostrils and have repeated sinus infections, in addition to a runny nose.

When To See a Doctor for a Runny Nose

Sometimes a runny nose will clear up on its own in a few days. However, if you’ve been dealing with symptoms for 10 or more days, or your runny nose is accompanied by a fever or other concerning symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor.

Depending on the cause, you may require further treatment in the form of medications or, in some cases, surgery to find relief from your symptoms.

If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Advanced ENT & Allergy today.