When to see a doctor

For adults – seek medical attention if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days.
• You have a high fever.
• Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and you also have sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection.
• You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury.

For children – seek medical attention if:

• Your child is younger than 2 months and has a fever.
• Your baby's runny nose or congestion causes trouble nursing or makes breathing difficult.

Self-care

Until you see your doctor, try these simple steps to relieve symptoms:

• Try sniffing and swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Avoid known allergic triggers.
• If your runny nose is a persistent, watery discharge, particularly if you're also sneezing and have itchy or watery eyes, your symptoms may be allergy-related, and an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. Be sure to follow the label instructions exactly.
• For babies and small children, use a soft, rubber-bulb syringe to gently remove any secretions.

To relieve postnasal drip — when excess saliva (mucus) builds up in the back of your throat – try these measures:

• Avoid common irritants such as cigarette smoke and sudden humidity changes.
• Drink plenty of water because fluid helps thin nasal secretions.
• Try nasal saline sprays or rinses.