Runny Nose vs Allergy: How to Tell the Difference

A runny nose is one of the most common health complaints, targeting the upper respiratory tract. The result? A blocked nose, sneezing, and coughing. While it rarely requires serious medical attention, it can leave you feeling utterly drained. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the question of runny nose vs allergy — what causes rhinitis, how to tell it apart from an allergic reaction, and what actually works to relieve it.

What is a runny nose?

Rhinitis is a viral condition that affects the nasal mucosa and respiratory tract. Symptoms can vary from person to person but typically last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Most commonly, a runny nose is caused by a virus — though it can also be triggered by allergies and other factors.

Read about the different types of allergies and their symptoms.

Symptoms of a runny nose

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of virus involved. However, the most common signs include:

• A blocked nose or, conversely, a constantly dripping nose,
• sneezing,
• coughing,
• sore throat,
• weakness and fatigue.

You might also like: 5 tips for dealing with a blocked nose from allergies

How does a runny nose spread?

This viral illness typically spreads through airborne droplets — when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks to you at close range. You can then inhale the virus-laden droplets, leading to infection. On top of that, cold viruses can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.

Allergic rhinitis is not contagious, so it cannot be passed from one person to another.

What are the main causes of a runny nose?

The primary culprit is rhinovirus, which is responsible for the majority of cases. A runny nose can also be caused by coronavirus or adenovirus. Some people are more susceptible than others — particularly children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

In infants, a runny nose can cause difficulties with breathing and breastfeeding. Older adults may develop serious health complications. That’s why it’s important to monitor their condition, take rhinitis seriously, and seek medical help if needed.

Types of rhinitis

There are several types of rhinitis, each with different triggers and associated symptoms. Let’s look at the most common ones.

Viral rhinitis: what yellow, watery, or post-nasal drip means

As mentioned earlier, the most common type is viral rhinitis, caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. These viruses attack the nasal mucosa, triggering inflammation and excess mucus production.

Depending on the type of mucus, we can distinguish:

• Watery rhinitis – This is how the illness typically begins. It’s characterised by thin, clear discharge.
• Yellow rhinitis – If you’re blowing out thick green or yellow mucus, you’ve got yellow rhinitis. The good news? You’re past the halfway mark and can expect improvement soon.
• Post-nasal drip – Sometimes the mucus can’t be blown out and instead drips down the back of your throat. This is known as post-nasal drip.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by the body’s hypersensitivity to certain allergens. The most common triggers include pollen, mould, and dust mites. The allergic reaction typically involves swelling of the nasal mucosa and the release of histamine, which leads to the onset of allergic rhinitis.

What does allergic rhinitis look like?

A tell-tale sign of allergic rhinitis is clear, thin, and watery mucus. People often confuse it with the watery stage of a viral cold. However, allergic rhinitis is typically accompanied by an itchy nose and frequent sneezing.

You might also like: When is sneezing a sign of an allergy?

Bacterial rhinitis

Less commonly, rhinitis can be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial rhinitis usually develops as a complication of a viral cold, though it can also occur on its own.

Chronic rhinitis

If your symptoms persist for longer than 8 weeks, you may be dealing with chronic rhinitis. This type tends to have multiple causes, including allergies, nasal polyps, or inadequate treatment of a viral cold.

How to recognise a runny nose

You can usually tell a cold is coming on as symptoms gradually build up. The first sign is often a slight itch or feeling of dryness in the nose, quickly followed by congestion. That gives way to frequent sneezing and nasal discharge. In later stages, coughing and a sore throat may also appear.

Preventing a runny nose

Your immune system plays a key role in defending your body against infections, including the common cold. When a virus enters the nasal mucosa, the immune system responds immediately, producing antibodies to neutralise it. In a healthy person with a strong immune system, a cold should clear up within about a week.

How to boost your immune system

There are several things you can do to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of catching a cold:

• Healthy diet – Build a balanced meal plan rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and vitamins.
• Exercise – Regular physical activity supports immune function.
• Enough sleep – Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night.
• Good hygiene – Wash your hands thoroughly and avoid contact with people who are ill.
• Stress management – Try to steer clear of stressful situations wherever possible.
• A clean home – Keep your living space tidy and free of allergens. Air purifiers can help — they’re designed to remove pollen, bacteria, and viruses from your home.

TIP: How to boost immunity in adults and children

How to get rid of a runny nose fast

You don’t necessarily need to rush to the doctor for a runny nose. In many cases, you can treat it comfortably at home. Here are a few tips:

• Stay warm and rest – Giving your body plenty of rest allows it to focus its energy on fighting the infection, helping you bounce back faster.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially hot drinks – Water, herbal teas, and warm soups help keep you hydrated and soothe a sore throat.
• Keep the air in your room moist – You can adjust indoor humidity with a humidifier. Overly dry air dries out already irritated mucous membranes, so adding moisture is essential. Ideally, combine a humidifier with an air purifier to remove bacteria and viruses and prevent spreading the infection to others.
• Nasal rinse – Flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution helps clear mucus and open up the airways.
• Nasal spray – A moisturising NasoGel nasal spray with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera soothes and hydrates the nasal mucosa.
• Try steam inhalation – Inhaling steam from hot water infused with herbs or essential oils can help clear a blocked nose and relieve that unpleasant feeling of nasal dryness.

Read more about how to get rid of a runny nose.

How to tell if your runny nose is caused by an allergy

For some people, a runny nose can be a symptom of a pollen allergy, dust mite allergy, or pet dander allergy. It’s typically linked to seasonal changes or exposure to a specific allergen. The hallmark signs are an itchy sensation in the nose and frequent sneezing.

You might also like: How do I know if I have an allergy?

For allergic rhinitis, your doctor may recommend antihistamines or other medications to ease the allergic reaction. Alongside medical treatment, you should also consider using air purifiers, which can remove not only allergens but also viruses and bacteria from your indoor air.

Read more about how nasal drops work and which ones are the best.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about allergies to dogs or cats HERE.