If mucus keeps flowing out of your nose, you have a constant runny nose. Hence, it is normal for our noses and sinuses to give off mucus. They do it to keep the nose moist. Therefore, you may think that it is a common cold. But a runny nose can imply an underlying health condition. There are lots of possible causes for it.
1. Common Cold
A runny nose is one of the most common signs of a cold. It often goes with a stuffy nose. Also, it occurs when the excess fluid makes the blood vessels and membranes in the nose swell. If it is a common cold, the mucus will turn yellow or green after three days. However, sometimes the mucus can also pass from the nose to the throat.
2. Hay Fever
Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis. It has the same symptoms as the cold. For instance, constant runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing are some. However, the virus does not cause hay fever, allergens like pollen, dust mites, or fur causes it.
3. Nose and Sinus Infection
It is the common cold causes this infection, which is also known as acute sinusitis. Symptoms include a runny nose and cough. You’ll have trouble breathing because of your stuffy nose.
4. Chronic Sinusitis
Sinusitis becomes chronic if it lasts more than 12 weeks. Hence, it happens even though you have treatments. The sinuses of your nose and head are swollen. The area around your eyes may seem tender and swollen too.
5. Certain Disorders
Disorders may also cause a constant runny nose. An example of a disorder is Churg-Strauss Syndrome. In this syndrome, there is a swollen blood vessel. This swelling may restrict blood flow to organs and tissues and causes damages. Also, asthma is a common sign of this syndrome. If you this illness, you may have hay fever, rash, and pain in the hands and feet. Additionally, it is rare and does not have a cure. Doctors may only treat the symptoms.
Another disorder is Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, which is rare. This condition comes from a group of blood disorders. Symptoms are swelling of the blood vessels, sinuses, nose, throat, lungs, and kidney.
6. Overuse of Decongestant Nasal Spray
Nasal spray abuse may result in tissue damage in the nose. This long-term use may lead to swelling and a stuffy nose.
7. Deviated Septum
The thin wall that divides your right and left nasal passage is on the wrong side. Also, it may be a health issue present at birth, or it may result from injury to the nose.
8. Dry Air
If dry air dries out the skin, it can also dry out the nasal passage. As it happens, there is an unbalanced fluid in the nose. So, swelling and runny nose may appear.
9. Hormonal Changes
An imbalance in the hormones can also cause sneezing and runny nose. Therefore, the swollen and enlarged blood vessels in the nose cause nonallergic rhinitis. It may occur during puberty or if you take birth control pills.
10. Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This virus causes symptoms like colds. It may affect the lungs and respiratory tract and may occur in children and adults. Hence, its symptoms include headache, runny nose, and cough.
11. Lodged Object
If a foreign object is in your nose, it will cause nasal discharge. Children are at risk for this cause. Avoid putting anything in your nose.
12. Medications
For some people, certain medicines can trigger a runny nose. Before taking medicines, read the label and consult a doctor.
13. Nasal Polyps
Unusual tissue growth in the nose may also happen. The growths on the nose’s lining are due to the swollen mucous membrane. The excess mucus may result in sneezing and a runny nose. You may also lose your smell and have headaches.
14. Nonallergic Rhinitis
People with this rhinitis has swollen nasal passage, sneezing, and runny nose. Change in temperature, bright sun, and underlying health problems are possible causes.
15. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes also happen during pregnancy. So, there may be excess mucus and runny nose. About 20% of pregnant women have a runny nose due to hormonal changes.
16. Smoke
Smoke can trigger the body to produce extra mucus. Also, being inside a room filled with smoke can start a constant runny nose. Avoid smoky areas and cover your nose. A runny nose is common for some. But if it lasts longer than usual and is painful, talk to a doctor.
