Rhinorrhea: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your nose won’t stop running, you’re dealing with rhinorrhea, the medical term for excessive nasal discharge. Also known as a runny nose, it’s one of the most common symptoms people experience—but it’s rarely just a cold. Rhinorrhea can be triggered by allergies, viruses, cold air, or even certain medications. It’s not dangerous on its own, but when it sticks around or comes with other symptoms, it’s often a clue that something deeper is going on.

For many, rhinorrhea is tied to antihistamines, drugs meant to stop allergic reactions. But here’s the twist: sometimes, the very pills you take to fix a runny nose can make it worse. Some people develop paradoxical reactions to antihistamines, where instead of drying up secretions, they trigger more discharge. That’s why simply grabbing an OTC allergy pill isn’t always the answer. And if you’re on steroids, blood pressure meds, or even nasal sprays, those can also cause rhinorrhea as a side effect. It’s not just about what’s in your nose—it’s what’s in your medicine cabinet.

Then there’s the connection to nasal congestion, a related but distinct issue where your nasal passages swell and feel blocked. Many assume congestion and runny nose go hand-in-hand, but that’s not always true. You can have a dripping nose with zero stuffiness, or vice versa. That’s why knowing the difference matters—treatments change based on the root cause. A viral infection? Your body’s fighting it off. Allergies? Your immune system’s overreacting. Medication-induced? You might need to switch drugs.

The posts below cover exactly this: how medications can cause or cure rhinorrhea, what to watch for when symptoms don’t go away, and how to tell if it’s something simple—or a sign you need to talk to your doctor. You’ll find real examples of drug interactions that trigger runny noses, how second-generation antihistamines help without drowsiness, and why some people get worse after taking allergy pills. This isn’t guesswork. It’s what people actually experience—and what works when the tissues run out.