Nov, 24 2025
Nonallergic rhinitis causes chronic nasal symptoms without allergies. Learn the real triggers-like cold air, spicy food, and medications-and what actually works to manage it, based on current medical evidence.
Rhinorrhea: Causes, Treatments, and Medications That Help
When you have a rhinorrhea, the medical term for a runny nose caused by excess mucus production. Also known as nasal discharge, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor or reach for an over-the-counter remedy. It’s not just a nuisance—it can signal a cold, allergies, a sinus infection, or even a reaction to something in your environment. The fluid can be clear and watery, thick and colored, or come with other symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or facial pressure. What you’re experiencing matters more than just how much you’re blowing your nose.
Rhinorrhea often links to other conditions you might not expect. For example, antihistamines, medications used to block histamine release during allergic reactions are commonly used to calm runny noses from allergies, but they can also dry out your nasal passages too much, leading to discomfort or even rebound congestion. Then there’s decongestants, drugs that shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose to reduce mucus flow. They work fast, but if you use them for more than a few days, your body can start relying on them—and your nose gets worse when you stop. Even some blood pressure meds, like chlorthalidone, can indirectly affect nasal moisture by changing fluid balance in your body. And if you’re on something like bupropion for smoking cessation, you might notice changes in your nasal secretions as a side effect.
What’s interesting is that rhinorrhea doesn’t always mean you’re sick. Cold air, spicy food, strong smells, or even crying can trigger it. Sometimes it’s the body’s way of flushing out irritants. But if it lasts longer than 10 days, comes with fever, or only happens on one side, it could point to something more serious like a deviated septum or even a cerebrospinal fluid leak. That’s why understanding what’s behind your runny nose matters more than just treating the symptom.
The posts below cover real-world cases where rhinorrhea shows up—not as the main topic, but as a clue. You’ll find how certain medications can cause or worsen it, how to tell if it’s allergy-related or infection-driven, and what to do when standard treatments fail. Some articles talk about how to read prescription labels for nasal sprays, others explain why switching generic drugs can change how your body responds. You’ll see connections between things like antifungals, lithium, and even diabetes meds, and how they can quietly affect your nasal health. This isn’t just about sniffles—it’s about recognizing patterns in your body’s signals and knowing when to ask for help.