Causes

A runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as the common cold and influenza — allergies and various irritants may all cause a runny nose. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason — a condition called nonallergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis.

Less commonly, a runny nose can be caused by polyps, a foreign body, a tumor or migraine-like headaches.

Causes of a runny nose include:

• Acute sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection)
• Allergies
• Chronic sinusitis
• Churg-Strauss syndrome
• Common cold
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Decongestant nasal spray overuse
• Deviated septum
• Dry air
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)
• Hormonal changes
• Influenza (flu)
• Lodged object
• Medicines, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions
• Nasal polyps
• Nonallergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies)
• Occupational asthma
• Pregnancy
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Spinal fluid leak
• Tobacco smoke