Runny Nose Treatment Doctor in East Bridgewater, MA

At Nova Medical Group, we often see patients concerned about a persistent runny nose, medically known as rhinorrhea. This common symptom occurs when your nasal passages produce excess mucus, and it can have a wide range of causes.

Common Causes
● Viral Infections: The most frequent trigger is a viral infection such as the common cold or influenza. These infections inflame the nasal tissues, causing your body to increase mucus production as a protective response.
● Allergies: Many patients in our community experience allergies to pollen, dust, or pet dander. When exposed to these allergens, your immune system releases histamine, leading to swelling in the nasal lining and more mucus.
● Environmental Irritants: Factors like smoke, strong odors, and air pollution—common in our region—can irritate your nasal membranes and result in a runny nose.
● Weather & Temperature Changes: Sudden shifts in weather or exposure to cold air can also trigger temporary rhinorrhea, as your nasal blood vessels react to the environment.

Other Causes
● Spicy Foods: Some people notice a runny nose when eating spicy foods (gustatory rhinitis).
● Structural Issues: Conditions such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, which we can evaluate at Nova Medical Group, may cause chronic symptoms.
● Medications & Medical Conditions: Certain medications, sinus infections, and hormonal changes can also increase nasal discharge.

If you’re experiencing a runny nose, determining the cause is important for proper management and relief. At Nova Medical Group, our healthcare professionals can help you identify whether your symptoms are due to allergies, the common cold, or another underlying condition.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common cause of a runny nose. It often produces a clear, watery nasal discharge, frequent sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Symptoms may intensify after exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. Unlike viral infections, allergies typically do not cause fever or body aches, and symptoms often persist as long as exposure continues.

The common cold, caused by a viral infection, usually begins with a runny nose that may turn thicker and yellow or green over time. Other symptoms can include sore throat, cough, mild fever, fatigue, and sometimes body aches. Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and resolve within a week to ten days.

Other conditions—such as sinus infections—can also lead to a runny nose. These may be accompanied by facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, and occasionally fever. Nonallergic rhinitis can be triggered by irritants like smoke or strong odors and usually does not cause itching or watery eyes.

A runny nose is a common symptom that many people associate with infections such as the common cold or the flu. However, at Nova Medical Group, we want our patients to understand that a runny nose—medically known as rhinorrhea—is not always a sign of infection. This symptom can occur for a variety of reasons, and determining the exact cause can help guide appropriate treatment.

Non-Infectious Causes
Many cases of a runny nose are not due to infections. Common non-infectious triggers include:

● Allergies: Seasonal allergies (hay fever) often lead to a watery nasal discharge. Our providers can help you identify your triggers and develop a plan to control your symptoms.
● Irritants: Exposure to smoke, strong odors, or air pollution can cause your nose to run. We can provide guidance on how to minimize exposure and manage your symptoms.
● Environmental Changes: Moving from a warm room into cold air or experiencing shifts in humidity can cause temporary nasal discharge.
● Medications: Some nasal sprays, if used too long, can cause a rebound effect leading to persistent rhinorrhea. Our team can review your medications and recommend safer alternatives if needed.
● Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and other hormonal shifts can increase nasal secretions.
● Spicy Foods: Gustatory rhinitis, or a runny nose triggered by eating spicy foods, is another common, non-infectious cause.

Infectious Causes
Infections caused by viruses (like the common cold or flu) and sometimes bacteria remain a major reason for a runny nose. These infections often come with other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or cough. If you suspect an infection, our experienced providers can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention While most cases of a runny nose are mild and resolve on their own, you should consider making an appointment with Nova Medical Group if:
● Your runny nose is persistent or severe
● You develop other concerning symptoms, such as high fever, facial pain, or a persistent cough
● Over-the-counter remedies are not providing relief

At Nova Medical Group, we understand that a runny nose can be bothersome and sometimes confusing—especially when you’re concerned about spreading illness to your family, friends, or coworkers. It’s important to know that while a runny nose itself isn’t contagious, the underlying cause often is.

Common Causes and Contagion
Most often, a runny nose is a symptom of an infection such as the common cold or flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person through droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks. If your runny nose is due to a cold or flu, you can pass the virus to others through close contact or by touching shared surfaces after wiping or blowing your nose.

However, not all causes of a runny nose are contagious. Allergies, exposure to irritants (like smoke or strong odors), or changes in weather can also lead to a runny nose. In these cases, there is no risk of spreading illness to others.

How Nova Medical Group Can Help

If you’re not sure what’s causing your runny nose, or if you’re worried about spreading illness to those around you, Nova Medical Group is here to help. Our healthcare professionals can assess your symptoms, determine the most likely cause, and provide guidance on treatment and prevention.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 401 N Bedford St, East Bridgewater, MA 02333. We serve patients from East Bridgewater MA, Abington MA, Brockton MA, West Bridgewater MA, Easton MA, Taunton MA, Raynham MA, and surrounding areas.