Definitions

Runny nose

When to make a doctor’s appointment

See a doctor if:

• Lasts more than 10 days
• High fever
• Green nasal discharge with pain or fever
• Also have asthma or emphysema or taking immune-suppressing medications
• Blood in nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury

Self-care

Drink plenty of fluids. Use a nasal rinse. Stay away from allergy causes. Take an allergy medicine you can get without a prescription if the cause is likely an allergy.

When to seek immediate medical care

See a health care provider right away for:

• Problems breathing.
• A nose that keeps running or has bloody mucus after a head injury.

When to make a doctor's appointment

See a health care provider for:

• Symptoms that last longer than 10 days.
• High fever.
• Mucus that's green or yellow with pain or fever.
• Sinus pain.