What is a runny nose?

A runny nose is also known as rhinorrhoea. It's a very common symptom.

If you have a runny nose, you may notice fluid coming from your nose. This is nasal discharge. Nasal discharge is also called mucus, snot or boogers.

Depending on the cause of your runny nose, your nasal mucus can be different colours or different thicknesses.

What symptoms are related to a runny nose?

Other symptoms that may appear with a runny or blocked nose are:

• a fever
• a sore throat, coughing or sneezing
• a headache
• aches and pains
• tiredness
• nausea (feeling sick)
• a reduced sense of taste and smell

You might have these symptoms if you have an infection.

If you have sinusitis, you may have pain in your face (including your cheeks and around your eyes).

If you have hay fever (allergic rhinitis), you may also have sneezing, an itchy nose and itchy or watery eyes.

If only one side of your nose is running, this could mean that:

• something is stuck in your nose
• the fluid around your brain may be leaking — this may be due to a head injury

If something else is causing your runny nose, you might have different symptoms.

Nasal discharge colour

The cause of your runny nose might make your nasal discharge a different colour.

If your nose is irritated, you might have a runny nose with clear nasal discharge. But clear nasal discharge doesn't rule out an infection.

Your nasal discharge might be green or yellow. This is a sign that the white blood cells in your body have been fighting an infection.

Sometimes you may notice blood coming from your nose. You can read more about nosebleeds.

What causes a runny nose?

A runny nose can be caused by many different things. These might include respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, like:

• a cold or the flu
• COVID-19
• respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• pneumonia
• bronchitis and bronchiolitis
• croup
• whooping cough
• sinusitis

Other things that can cause a runny nose are:

• allergies and hay fever
• ear infections
• some foods
• some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, ACE inhibitors and some diuretic medicines
• a problem with the structure of your nose, such as a deviated septum
• an object stuck in the nose

How is the cause of a runny nose diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of your runny nose, your doctor will ask you about:

• your runny nose
• if anything triggers your runny nose
• what other symptoms you are having
• what medicines you are taking

They may examine the inside and outside of your nose, neck and ears.

In most cases, tests are not needed to make a diagnosis. But sometimes your doctor might recommend tests such as:

• blood tests
• a swab test, if there are signs of infection
• a CT scan

When should I see my doctor?

A runny nose due to the common cold will usually get better on its own after a few days. If you have a runny nose that is not improving or is bothering you, you should see your doctor.

They can check to see if you have an allergy, or if you are unwell.

You should also see your doctor if:

• your runny nose or other symptoms get worse
• your runny nose makes it difficult for you to breathe
• you have a high fever
• you are feeling confused
• you are vomiting (being sick)
• you are showing signs of dehydration
• your runny nose only affects one nostril

When to seek urgent care

You should seek urgent medical attention if you have a runny nose with:

• distorted vision
• severe headache
• severe and long-lasting nosebleed
• severe difficulty breathing
• you have a runny nose after a knock to your head

Call triple zero (000) immediately or go to your nearest emergency department if you or someone else:

• is having trouble breathing
• has fluid or blood leaking from the nose after a recent head injury

How is a runny nose treated?

How your runny nose is treated will depend on what is causing it.

Care for yourself at home

If you have a runny nose because of a cold or another infection, the best thing to do is:

• rest
• keep hydrated
• take pain-relief medicines if needed

Medicines for a runny nose

Certain nose (nasal) sprays can help clear a runny or blocked nose, depending on the cause. They might contain:

• saline (salt water)
• corticosteroids
• antihistamines

Over-the-counter decongestant medicines can also help a runny nose caused by a cold. But they should not be used for more than a few days at a time. If they are used for longer than this, they can make your symptoms worse.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any medicines or nasal sprays.

Treatment with antibiotics is rarely needed for a runny nose.

Other treatment options

Your doctor may recommend use of a nasal rinse. This uses salty water to flush out your nose to clear away:

• mucus
• allergens that may be causing your symptoms

What are the complications of a runny nose?

The complications of a runny nose depend on the cause.

A runny nose can sometimes cause post-nasal drip. This is when mucus runs down the back of your throat. This can cause a cough.

Can a runny nose be prevented?

There are ways you can prevent the spread of infections that can cause a runny nose, such as colds and flu. Simple measures to practise good hygiene and avoid infections include:

• covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
• washing your hands regularly
• staying home if you don't feel well
• keeping your child at home if they don't feel well
• avoiding sharing cups and cutlery with people who are unwell

You may also want to wear a face mask, especially in crowded indoor spaces.

Some infections can be prevented by vaccination.

Resources and support

If you are concerned about a runny nose, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.