Runny Nose

Runny nose?

Runny nose is excess mucus running outside the nose.

Pharmacist

If the mucus run down the back of the throat, it is called postnasal drip.

Lady with runny nose

Let's see if you can narrow down the cause before you see what a pharmacist recommend over the counter for the runny nose.

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This excess mucus can also cause a cough that is worse at night and a sore throat may result from all the drainage to the back of the throat.

Runny nose

How would you describe the mucus being produced?

Pharmacist

Thin, clear, watery. Thick, sticky, colored.

Runny Nose

Thin, clear, watery?
You may be looking at an allergy situation.

Pharmacist

Bear in mind too that runny nose due to a cold most of the time start out clear and watery.

Let's continue to the allergy section to see what can be done. Or if you are thinking cold, let's visit the entry for cold.

Back Allergy Cold

Runny Nose

Need a doctor?

Thick, sticky, colored?
Alright, let's see if you need to see a doctor.

Pharmacist

You may be looking at a sinus infection, inflammation, severe cold and flu or something else.

Is the drainage from your nose bloody or blood laced?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Looking at an infection or inflammation.

Is the drainage any other color but white or yellow?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Looking at infection.

Would you say this drainage is foul smelling?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Possible sinus infection.

Do you also have fever with this runny nose?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Possible sinus infection especially if the mucus is thick.

What about a sore throat along with this runny nose?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Looking at an infection.
Especially if you have severe sore throat with a runny nose mucus that is thick, sticky and colored.

Is the runny nose as a result of a head injury?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Need further evaluation.

Has this been going on for more than 3 weeks now?

Pharmacist

Seek urgent care or call the doctor.

Pharmacist

Here is why:

Risking a sinus infection as time goes by.

Those questions were to rule out seeing the doctor.

Pharmacist

If you don't think you need to see a doctor, we will assume you are only looking at a runny nose and no other symptoms.

Or would you like to see the cold and flu section for more discussion if you are suspecting any of these?

Yes?
Okay, tap on the button below to see the entry for cold.

Pharmacist

Alright.
Assuming you are only looking at a runny nose.

Pharmacist

When you have a runny nose, there is always a reason for it. It's more important to treat the source than the runny nose symptom itself.

It is also important to keep the mucus thin rather than thick and sticky. This helps prevent complications, such as ear and sinus infections, and plugging of your nasal passages.

Urgent Care Continue