12 Reasons Your Nose Is Always Running, and What to Do About It

滴、滴、滴。这是恼人的声音r leaky faucet, also known as your constant runny nose.

It's not only inconvenient, but a consistent flow of mucus may also indicate an irritation or inflammation (known as rhinitis) of the nasal tissues.

Because a whole host of health-related issues can irritate or inflame your mucous membranes, we spoke withCecelia Damask, DO, a board-certified otolaryngologist, to discuss the most common causes and help you get to the root of your runny nose.

Thick, yellow orgreenish mucusdraining from your nose normally indicates a nasal and sinus infection (also called acute sinusitis).

When you have a viral infection, your sinuses (the spaces inside your nose) may become inflamed and swollen, which gets in the way of normal nasal drainage and causes a buildup of mucus, per theMayo Clinic.

In addition to a runny nose, you might also experience nasal congestion, throbbing facial pain or a headache.

A constant runny nose (with clear, watery mucus) accompanied by sneezing and itchy eyes usually signals the presence of pesky allergies.

When you have allergies, yourimmune systemmistakes something that's typically benign (like pollen) for something harmful, triggering an inflammatory response, per theMayo Clinic.

In this case, your sinuses react and produce a waterfall.

"Allergic rhinitis symptoms may be seasonal — symptoms in the spring may be due to tree pollen, in the summer due to grass and in the fall due to weeds and molds," Dr. Damask says. But some people may have perennial (year-round) allergies due to things like dust mites and pet dander, she adds.

When your nose is overflowing with fluid for a week or so, acommon coldcould be the culprit.

A viral infection of your nose can cause "blood vessels and mucous membranes in the nose to swell, resulting in a runny and a stuffy nose," Dr. Damask says.

While your mucus may look clear at first, in a few days, the nasal drainage typically starts to become thicker and green or yellow in color as the cold runs its course, Dr. Damask says.

In addition to a runny or stuffy nose, other classic cold symptoms include the following, per theMayo Clinic:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Low-grade fever

A deviated septum might be the source of your distracting drippy nose.

This happens when your nasal septum — the thin wall that separates your nasal passages — is displaced to one side, which can cause swelling of the tissues that line the nose, per theMayo Clinic.

"If a septum is significantly deviated, it can interfere with normal nasal function," Dr. Damask says.

其他症状可能包括:

• Frequent nosebleeds
• Difficulty breathing

Believe it or not, your medication might be the reason for your runny nose.

Certain medicines, including those used to treathigh blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions, can create a drippy nose, per theMayo Clinic.

If you notice that your nose only runs while at work, you might have something called occupational rhinitis. These nasal symptoms are due to exposure to allergens or irritants in the workplace, Dr. Damask says.

Another telltale sign of the condition: Your symptoms (which can also include nasal congestion, itching and/or sneezing) worsen during the workweek and improve during weekends and holidays, Dr. Damask says.

When you have chronic drainage from your nose, it's possible you have nasal polyps (noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses).

Nasal polyps are linked to inflammation in your nasal passages and sinuses that lasts more than 12 weeks, Dr. Damask says. Other signs of polyps include:

• Nasal congestion
• Facial pain or pressure
• A decreased sense of smell

For a definitive diagnosis, you must be examined by an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat specialist) who may perform either a nasal endoscopy or CT scan, Dr. Damask says.

The scenario: Your nose is dry as a desert until you begin to eat. If your runny nose starts shortly after you dine, you're likely looking at gustatory rhinitis.

This type of runny nose represents a nasal response to eating certain foods (especially spicy fare) or drinking certain liquids like alcohol, per theMayo Clinic. Boozy beverages may also make the membranes inside your nose swell, causing nasal congestion as well.

A constant runny nose could be a side effect of aging. It might sound strange, but senile rhinitis is a thing, and it can happen as you get older. The condition is made worse by certain triggers, including specific foods, odors or environmental irritants, according to an August 2018 paper inAmerican Family Physician.

What's more, many older people have chronic diseases and take multiple medicines, which, as we know, can contribute to a runny nose.

Your excessive mucus may also be a byproduct of hormonal changes, Dr. Damask says. The most common example is pregnancy.

Other hormone shifts related to menstruation, oral contraceptive use or conditions like hypothyroidism can also cause hormonal rhinitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Does your nose drip when the temperature drops? Some people get watery drainage (as well as nasal congestion and burning) when exposed to cold air, Dr. Damask says.

A type of nonallergic rhinitis (meaning, there's no actual textbook allergic reaction), this condition is triggered by temperature, humidity or barometric changes that can cause the membranes inside your nose to swell, resulting in a runny or stuffy nose, per the Mayo Clinic.

If your nose normally waters during workouts, you might be experiencingexercise-induced rhinitis, a condition that's estimated to affect between 27 and 74 percent of athletes, per a September 2019European Medical Journalreview.

While the root cause of this condition is still unclear, the authors emphasize that athletes who often train outdoors are frequently exposed to allergens, cold air and pollutants, which, as we know, can all affect nasal function.