Also known as: Rhinorrhea
A runny nose is excess drainage from the nasal passages, which can be thin and watery or thick and mucous-like. It is one of the most common symptoms of colds and allergies. While bothersome, a runny nose usually resolves on its own and is the body's way of flushing out irritants or germs.
There are several possible reasons you may be experiencing Runny Nose. Here are the most common ones.
See a doctor if nasal discharge is one-sided, foul-smelling, or blood-tinged, if a runny nose persists for more than ten days without improvement, or if it follows a head injury (which may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid leak). A runny nose with high fever and facial pain may need further evaluation.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.