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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRunny nose (rhinorrhea) occurs when nasal tissues and blood vessels become congested or swollen with excess fluid or mucous that runs out your nose or down the back of your throat. Runny nose can be caused by a cold, influenza, allergies to dust, pollen or pet dander, or as a response to irritants such as tobacco smoke. Other irritants such as spicy foods also can trigger a runny nose. Runny nose may or may not be accompanied by nasal congestion.
A runny nose may be annoying and uncomfortable, but it usually clears up on its own. Sometimes a runny nose indicates a more serious problem.
