A perpetually runny nose can be more than just a nuisance; it can negatively impact your daily life. According to Dr. William Reisacher, an ENT specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, constantly needing to sniff or use tissues due to a runny nose can significantly affect your overall well-being.
Medically, a persistent runny nose is termed persistent or chronic rhinitis, lasting over 12 weeks, explains Dr. Natalie Earl, an otolaryngologist at the Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division. It’s also known as chronic rhinorrhea.
Earl notes that the mucus can vary in consistency and color, ranging from clear and watery to thick and colorful, and often requires medication to alleviate.
This differs from a runny nose caused by an acute condition like a cold, which typically resolves within a few days to less than four weeks, according to Earl.
While a chronic runny nose might not be a major health issue, it shouldn’t be ignored. Reisacher emphasizes that people often hesitate to seek help for it, considering it a trivial problem. However, he points out that it’s a condition that ENTs commonly address.
Reisacher advises consulting a healthcare professional for persistent runny noses to determine the cause and find relief.
Here are several common causes of runny noses:
Allergies
Earl states that allergies are a primary cause of chronic runny noses. Allergic reactions usually present with additional symptoms like sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion, as well as possible eye irritation.
Weather changes
Fluctuations in temperature, air pressure, and other weather conditions can trigger a runny nose. Reisacher explains that significant environmental changes can lead to persistent sniffing. He describes the nose as reacting like a thermometer, hygrometer, and barometer.
Similarly, environmental changes like nearby construction causing dust and dirt can also irritate the nose, he adds.
Medications
Reisacher mentions that certain medications, such as beta-blockers for high blood pressure, are known to cause runny noses as a side effect. The (ACAAI) notes that hormonal birth control can also produce similar symptoms.
Changes in medication type or dosage can also result in a persistent runny nose, he adds.
Structural problems
Reisacher says that ENTs are trained to identify structural issues in the nose that might cause symptoms. These include nasal polyps, small growths in the nasal lining, or a deviated septum, where the nasal wall is shifted to one side, .
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes numerous bodily changes, including nasal changes. Reisacher explains that hormonal shifts increase blood flow to support the developing baby, which can affect nasal tissues, causing them to produce more fluid.
He notes that symptoms resembling allergies or persistent congestion can emerge, usually starting in the second trimester, even in women without prior allergies.
What to do about it
Reisacher advises consulting a doctor whenever you’re concerned about your symptoms, rather than waiting for weeks.
Earl suggests trying over-the-counter saline or steroid nasal sprays and oral antihistamines, especially if allergies are suspected. Given the wide variety of options, consulting a doctor for recommendations may be helpful.
Earl recommends seeking professional medical advice if these medications don’t provide relief within two weeks.
Reisacher advises discussing any recent medication changes with your doctor, who may suggest ways to mitigate the side effect or manage the drainage.
He also stresses the importance of discussing your environment and any recent changes. Since there’s no single blood test to pinpoint the cause, a thorough medical history and a skilled physician’s interpretation are essential for diagnosing and treating the underlying issue.