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Home > Ear, Nose & Throat > Nose > Reasons Why You Have a Constant Runny Nose

Reasons Why You Have a Constant Runny Nose

August 26, 2020 - Updated on August 6, 2021
4 min read
By D’Jahna Akinyemi, MD | Allergist/Immunologist

In this article:

  • The Nose as an Immune Barrier
  • Causes of a Runny Nose
  • Symptoms That Accompany a Runny Nose
  • Medical Treatment for a Runny Nose
  • Complications Associated With a Runny Nose
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

A runny nose is characterized by excessive nasal discharge. Also known as rhinorrhea, it results from swelling or irritation in the nasal tissue, which can be due to various reasons.

runny nose

The discharge may range from a thin clear fluid to thick mucus, which runs out of the nose, down the throat, or both. The excess mucus may also impede airflow by blocking the nasal passage, thus causing nasal congestion.

The Nose as an Immune Barrier

The mucous membrane is a thin, moist layer of tissue that lines the nasal passageway. Its primary function is the production of mucus, a thick, sticky fluid that prevents the entry of foreign particles into the lungs by trapping them.

These entrapped foreign particles are then expelled out of the nose, along with the mucus, by sneezing, thus helping clear the lungs, sinuses, and back of the nose. This mechanism of protecting the airways is known as mucociliary clearance.

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Causes of a Runny Nose

The presence of pathogens (virus or bacteria) or other foreign particles in the nasal passageways can stimulate the overproduction of mucus as a clearing response.

The body may be unable to process the excess mucus, resulting in the accumulation of the fluid, which is then discharged, resulting in a runny nose.

A runny nose can be triggered by various reasons, including:

  • Flu
  • Sinus infection
  • Common cold
  • Consumption of spicy foods
  • Exercise
  • Allergies such as hay fever
  • Exposure to hot or cold temperature
  • Pregnancy (pregnancy rhinitis)
  • Use of certain types of over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays or drops for more than 3 days
  • Hormonal changes
  • Enlarged adenoids
  • Nasal polyps (sac-like growths on the nasal lining or sinuses)
  • Vasomotor rhinitis (a chronic form of rhinitis that causes rhinorrhea, intermittent sneezing, and congestion)

Symptoms That Accompany a Runny Nose

symptoms that accompany a runny nose

A runny nose can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Excessive mucus production
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Headache or facial pain
  • Sinusitis, if the sinus passage is blocked
  • Ear pain or infection caused by plugging up of the Eustachian tube with mucus
  • Sore throat or cough resulting from postnasal drip
  • Sneezing
  • Nosebleeds

Medical Treatment for a Runny Nose

Generally, rhinorrhea does not require the intervention of medicines and can be managed with self-care. However, if the ailment persists, it is necessary to seek medical help as a lack of treatment can cause headaches, earaches, cough, and other complications.

The medications for runny nose generally depend on its cause. You can use OTC medications such as topical ipratropium bromine nasal sprays. (1) However, avoid giving it to children below 6 years of age.

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Note: Always consult your doctor before trying OTC medications and make sure you are not allergic to them.

Complications Associated With a Runny Nose

In some people, a persistent runny nose may lead to the following complications:

  • Nasal irritation and obstruction, which hamper the quality of life
  • Trouble breathing, which can interfere with facial development in infants
  • Severe infections if the acute infection that causes the runny nose is left untreated
  • Ear problems and trouble hearing

When to See a Doctor

when to visit a doctor for a runny nose

Rhinorrhea causes discomfort but generally clears up on its own. However, in rare cases, it may be indicative of a severe problem.

It is recommended to visit a doctor if:

  • The condition is prolonged (lasts for 10 days or more).
  • A runny nose is accompanied by fever.
  • The mucus is yellow or green, and the runny nose is accompanied by fever or sinus pain (may indicate bacterial infection).
  • Blood is present in the nasal discharge.
  • Head injury is followed by a persistent clear discharge.
  • Your child is having breathing difficulties due to congestion.
What you may ask your doctor
  • When will the condition clear?
  • Should I follow any dietary restrictions?
  • What measures can I take at home to relieve a runny nose?
  • Do I need to take antibiotics?
What your doctor may ask you
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Is the mucus colored or clear?
  • Do you have dental problems?
  • Do you experience other symptoms such as headache, pain, cough, or shortness of breath?

Final Word

The drainage of excess fluid from the nose is known as rhinorrhea or runny nose. It can be either a constant or an intermittent problem that may occur due to many reasons.

While rhinorrhea can be discomforting, it often resolves on its own. In some cases, rhinorrhea may indicate a severe condition and require proper treatment. Rhinorrhea is a severe condition for infants.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingHow to Stop a Runny Nose: Home Remedies and Self-Care
References
  1. Tran NP, Vickery J, Blaiss MS. Management of rhinitis: allergic and non-allergic. Allergy, asthma & immunology research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121056/. Published July 2011.

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