Quick answer
What could runny nose mean?
A runny nose is excess mucus draining from the nose, most often caused by a viral cold or hay fever. It usually clears up on its own with rest, fluids and saline rinses. See a GP if the discharge lasts more than three weeks, affects one side only, or contains blood.
Why your nose runs
A runny nose happens when the lining of the nose produces extra mucus to clear away irritants or infection. Most cases are caused by a viral infection or an allergy, and they settle on their own without any special treatment.
Common causes of a runny nose
The most common cause of a runny nose is a viral cold, which is self-limiting and clears up by itself. Hay fever is another frequent cause and typically produces a watery, runny nose with sneezing.
Sinusitis can also make the nose run, and it often comes with facial pain and fever. Some people have non-allergic rhinitis, where the nose runs without an infection or allergy being responsible.
How to relieve a runny nose at home
Drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest will help while a cold runs its course. A saline nasal rinse can clear mucus from the nose and ease congestion.
If hay fever is the cause, allergy nasal sprays can help. They work best when started early in the hay fever season.
When to see a GP about a runny nose
See a GP if the discharge has lasted more than three weeks, comes from one side only, or contains blood, because chronic or atypical discharge needs assessment. If a runny or blocked nose comes with facial pain and fever, the cause may be sinusitis, which a GP can diagnose and treat.
Common questions about runny nose
- Does green mucus mean I need antibiotics?
- No, green mucus does not automatically mean you need antibiotics. Green mucus can occur during ordinary viral colds, and the colour of your mucus alone is not a reason to take antibiotics.
- What is the best treatment for a runny nose caused by hay fever?
- Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are the main treatments for hay fever. Steroid nasal sprays work best when you start them early in the hay fever season, before your symptoms build up.
- When is a runny nose a sign of something serious?
- A runny nose needs medical assessment if the discharge is blood-stained, or if it is persistent and comes from only one side of the nose. These features are unusual for a simple cold or allergy, so a GP should examine you.
- How can I help a baby with a runny nose?
- Saline drops can help loosen the mucus and make it easier for a baby to breathe through the nose. Seek medical help if your baby's breathing or feeding is affected.