A runny nose is something almost everyone experiences when ill, exposed to irritants, or during allergy season. However, a runny nose that won’t go away, also known as persistent rhinorrhoea may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
If you often find yourself asking, “Why is my nose always runny?”, here are the most common chronic runny nose causes and what you can do about them.
Anything that irritates the nasal lining can trigger excess mucus production. Below are the common causes of constant runny nose in adults:
Allergic rhinitis
Acute or chronic sinusitis
Common cold or influenza
Deviated septum
Humidity or weather changes
Non-allergic rhinitis
Medication side effects
Tobacco smoke
Environmental irritants
Nasal polyps
Foreign objects in the nose (more common in children)
Understanding these causes helps guide proper runny nose diagnosis and treatment.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as:
Pollen
Pet dander
Dust mites
Mould
Symptoms include:
Nasal itching and sneezing
Congestion
Watery, itchy eyes
Persistent runny nose
Because the nasal lining remains inflamed, allergic rhinitis is a common reason for chronic runny nose causes.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses remain inflamed for 12 weeks or longer, causing mucus build-up and impaired drainage.
Typical sinusitis symptoms include:
Nasal congestion
Facial pressure or pain
Thick mucus
Reduced sense of smell
Chronic sinusitis may be associated with nasal polyps (soft, painless, non-cancerous growths) inside the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps can block airflow and lead to persistent rhinorrhoea, recurrent infections, and breathing difficulties.
If you have a runny nose without flu or allergy, you may have non-allergic rhinitis, a condition where the nasal passages react to irritants despite no immune system trigger.
Common triggers include:
Smoke, fumes, dust, perfumes
Sudden weather or humidity changes
Spicy foods
Strong odours
Medicines (e.g., overuse of nasal decongestant sprays)
Unlike allergies, non-allergic rhinitis does not typically involve sneezing or itchy eyes, but it can still cause a runny nose that won’t go away.
Certain physical or medical conditions can also contribute to chronic nasal symptoms:
Deviated septum: A crooked or displaced nasal wall can impede airflow and cause chronic congestion or a constantly runny nose.
Chronic allergic rhinitis: Long-term sensitivity to irritants leads to ongoing inflammation despite treatment.
A persistent runny nose can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, including infection. Seek medical attention if you notice:
Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
High fever
Headaches
Severe facial pain
Blood in mucus
Yellow or green mucus
Breathing difficulty
These may point to a more complicated infection or sinus disease requiring specialist care.
Runny nose diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history review
Physical examination
Nasal endoscopy, if needed, to visualise nasal passages
Imaging such as CT scans for chronic sinus concerns
Allergy testing for suspected allergic rhinitis
Correct diagnosis is essential to determine the right runny nose treatment.
Here are steps to help reduce symptoms and relieve irritation when dealing with causes of chronic runny nose:
Avoid allergen triggers like dust, animal dander, and pollen
Minimise exposure to smoke, strong fragrances, and pollutants
Use saline sprays to flush out the nasal passages
Stay well hydrated
Take allergy medications when appropriate
Avoid overuse of decongestant sprays
If symptoms persist, you may need personalised runny nose treatment based on the underlying cause.
You should seek specialist care if:
Your runny nose lasts more than a few weeks
Symptoms interfere with breathing or sleep
You suspect nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis
You experience frequent infections
You are unsure of the cause and need accurate diagnosis
At Prince Court Medical Centre, our experienced Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT)specialists provide comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of ENT conditions, which include rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and structural nasal issues. Our multidisciplinary ENT team ensures personalised care to help you breathe freely and improve your quality of life.
Book an appointment today to get expert assessment and effective treatment for your chronic runny nose.
Reviewed by Dr Anura Michelle Manuel
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