What Can Cause a Constant, Clear-Fluid Runny Nose?
If your nose is persistently dripping clear mucus, it may be due to a viral infection or another health condition. Treating the underlying condition may help resolve your symptoms.
Just about everyone has experienced a runny nose at some point. This symptom can have many different causes and characteristics.
For example, a runny nose may only last a short time in some people and may be constant in others. The color of the nasal discharge can also vary.
In some cases, you may have a runny nose with clear fluid that's constant or persistent.
Below, we'll explore some causes of a constant runny nose with clear fluid. We'll also address what you can do to ease your symptoms and learn to recognize signs that it may be time to see your doctor.
What can cause a clear, runny nose?
A runny nose occurs when nasal mucus production increases. While this can have many causes, it often occurs due to inflammation of the tissues inside the nose, which is known as rhinitis.
The extra fluid that's produced can drain from your nose, down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), or both.
Now, let's examine some potential causes of a constant runny nose with clear fluid.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of a constant runny nose. When allergies affect your nose, it's called allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
With allergic rhinitis, your immune system overreacts to something that's typically harmless, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander. This leads to inflammation in your nasal passages and increased mucus production.
Nasal discharge from allergic rhinitis is often thin, watery, and clear. It may last as long as a particular allergy trigger, called an allergen, is present in your environment.
In addition to a runny nose, some other symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
sneezing
nasal congestion
itching, which can affect your eyes, nose, and throat
eyes that are red or watery
eyelids that appear swollen or puffy
coughing
irritability, especially in children
Non-allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is a term that describes nasal symptoms that develop in the absence of allergies. It's believed that this condition may happen when blood flow in your nose increases. This can lead to swelling and an increase in mucus production.
While the exact biological cause of non-allergic rhinitis is unknown, a variety of factors can trigger it, including:
Foods: Symptoms can develop any time you eat but may be more likely when you consume food that's spicy or has a hot temperature. Alcohol can also trigger symptoms.
Medications: Taking some types of medications can lead to non-allergic rhinitis symptoms. Some examples include:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and aspirin
oral contraceptives
beta-blockers
antidepressants
overuse of nasal decongestant sprays (rhinitis medicamentosa)
Irritants: Some examples of irritants that may trigger non-allergic rhinitis include:
cigarette smoke
pollution
dust
chemical fumes
perfumes
Changes in weather: Changes in temperature or humidity may trigger symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis.
Hormone fluctuations: Changes in hormones due to things like pregnancy, menstruation, and hypothyroidism can cause non-allergic rhinitis.
Stress: Increased stress levels can also lead to non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.
The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis can include a runny nose with a discharge that's thin, clear, and watery. Other symptoms may include:
nasal congestion
postnasal drip
sneezing
coughing
Non-allergic rhinitis is a chronic (long-lasting) condition. Its symptoms can be persistent, happen intermittently, or occur at specific times of the year.
Treatment for non-allergic rhinitis is focused on using medications to relieve symptoms when they're present.
Viral infections
Viral infections like the common cold and the flu attack the tissues of your nose and throat. In response, your nose produces more mucus to help trap and wash viral particles away. This can cause a persistent runny nose with clear fluid.
In addition to a runny nose, some of the common symptoms of a respiratory virus infection include:
coughing
sneezing
fever
fatigue
sore throat
body aches and pains
It's important to note that the presence and frequency of some symptoms can depend on the virus causing the infection. For example, a runny nose happens more often with the common cold than with the flu.
A runny nose due to the common cold can last from 10 to 14 days. Most flu symptoms will disappear in 3 to 7 days, although fatigue and cough may linger for two weeks or longer.
Pregnancy rhinitis
If you're pregnant, you may experience a runny nose without a previous history of infection, allergies, or other nasal conditions. Other symptoms can include nasal congestion and sneezing.
It's believed that changes in hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can cause pregnancy rhinitis. These changes can lead to increased blood flow in the nose, resulting in inflammation and excess mucus.
Although the symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis can start at any point during pregnancy, they're more frequently reported during the third trimester. Symptoms typically disappear shortly after delivery.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are benign (noncancerous) growths that develop in your nasal passages. They result from chronic inflammation in this area and are associated with other conditions, such as allergies and asthma.
The chronic inflammation associated with nasal polyps can lead to symptoms like a persistent runny nose.
Some additional symptoms of nasal polyps may include:
nasal congestion
postnasal drip
reduced sense of smell or taste
pain or pressure in your face
headache
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can be used to shrink or get rid of nasal polyps. These medications can ease symptoms, including runny nose. However, if drugs aren't effective, surgery may be needed to remove them.
Nasal foreign body
Nasal foreign bodies are more common in children than adults. This happens when an object that shouldn't be there is stuck in the nose. Some examples of common nasal foreign bodies, especially with young children, include beads, pebbles, and rubber erasers.
A foreign body's presence can irritate your nose's tissues, leading to inflammation. This can cause a persistent runny nose that:
typically occurs on the side in which the foreign body is stuck
can sometimes be clear in color but may also contain pus or blood
is often foul-smelling
Other symptoms that can occur are:
a feeling that your nose is blocked
sneezing
headache
A doctor can help remove a foreign body that's become lodged in the nose. Symptoms should begin to clear once the foreign body has been removed.
Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear liquid found in and around the brain and spinal cord. It helps keep these areas healthy by protecting them, providing nutrients, and removing waste products.
In rare cases, CSF may leak out of the brain. This can happen due to a head injury or surgery or spontaneously. It is a serious health condition that requires immediate medical evaluation.
If you have a CSF leak, you may experience clear fluid draining from your nose or ears. Other symptoms include:
a headache, particularly when you change the position of your head
problems with vision and hearing
a salty taste in your mouth
nausea and vomiting
a stiff neck
It's possible for a CSF leak to resolve on its own. However, surgery is often needed to address the condition. People with a CSF leak are at an increased risk of developing meningitis.
What may help clear up a runny nose?
You can try several things at home to help clear up a runny nose.
Use a saline nasal spray or rinse: Saline nasal sprays are available OTC. They can help clear out your nasal passages. You can also make your own saline nasal rinse at home.
Try an OTC decongestant: If you have nasal congestion along with your runny nose, an OTC decongestant can help reduce inflammation and pressure. Examples include Sudafed and Afrin. (Prolonged use of Afrin may cause rebound congestion, so limiting its use is important. Talk with your doctor before using Afrin.)
Take an OTC antihistamine: OTC antihistamines work to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, itching, and sneezing. Examples include Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec.
Use an intranasal corticosteroid: These are medications that you spray into your nose. They may help ease allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Some that are available OTC include Nasacort and Flonase.
Drink water: Drinking enough water can help keep your nasal mucus thin and easier to clear from your nose.
Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and may help keep nasal mucus thin.
Avoid triggers: If you know that specific things trigger your symptoms, try to avoid them.
Blow your nose frequently: Gently blowing your nose into a tissue can help clear excess mucus from your nasal passages.
When to see a doctor
While a runny nose will often go away with at-home care, there are some signs that it may be time to make an appointment with your doctor. These include:
a runny nose that doesn't clear up after 10 days
high fever
symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as fever and mucus that's become yellow or green in color with a thicker consistency
bloody nasal discharge
clear nasal discharge that happens following a head injury
The bottom line
Many possible health conditions can cause a constant, clear, runny nose. Some of the most common causes include allergies, infections, and nasal polyps.
Food, medications, and hormonal changes can also trigger a constant, clear runny nose.
Most causes of a constant, clear, runny nose can be treated with OTC medications and home remedies. See your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days or if you also have other symptoms, like a high fever or bloody nasal discharge.
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