A runny nose is caused by excess mucus production in your nasal passages. This leads to watery secretions that drip from your nose and sometimes also drip down the back of your throat.
A runny nose can occur with or without nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose. Nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the lining of your nasal passages, which makes it harder to breathe through your nose.
There are a few reasons why you might have a runny nose. The most common is a viral infection of the sinuses — typically the common cold. In other cases, a runny nose may be due to cold weather, allergies, sinusitis, or other causes.
When you breathe in a virus or an allergen like dust or pollen, it irritates the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses. This causes your nose to start making clear mucus that traps the germs or allergens and helps flush these harmful substances out of your nose.
This article explores home remedies you can use to help ease the symptoms of a runny nose.
