What are the causes of rhinorrhea?
Rhinorrhea can be caused by various factors. The most common causes of the condition include:
- Allergies (allergic rhinitis)
- Viruses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19
- A sinus infection
Viruses are associated with rhinorrhea because germs can invade your sinuses and nasal lining, the hollow, and the air-filled spaces in the skull around your nose. Germs trigger the nose to produce clear discharge, or mucus to remove the virus.
Mucus may also change color after the first few days. Its color usually changes from clear to green, yellow, or white.
When you have a sinus infection, the fluid that occurs due to infection accumulated in one or more sinuses around the nose. This can result in a runny nose and a headache, mucus, and sore throat. The mucus may migrate down the back of your throat.
Allergies can also result in rhinorrhea. Your nose may start to get runny as your body reacts to allergens. The allergens could be dust, mold, pollen, or other triggers. Other symptoms that occur when your body reacts to allergies include coughing, congestion, and an itchy eyes or nose.