Why Does Your Nose Run When You Have a Cold?

When you catch a cold—most commonly caused by viruses like the rhinovirus—your body’s immune system gets to work right away. The virus usually enters through your nose or throat, infecting the cells that line these passages. In response, your immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection, and these cells release chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines signal blood vessels in your nose to widen, allowing more immune cells and fluid to reach the area.

This increased blood flow causes the tissues in your nose to become swollen and inflamed. At the same time, the glands in your nasal lining begin producing extra mucus to help trap the virus and flush it out. This process leads to the classic symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose and congestion. The mucus may start clear and become yellow or green as your immune system continues to fight the infection. As you recover, the inflammation and mucus production decrease, and your symptoms resolve.

At Nova Medical Group, we understand how uncomfortable cold symptoms can be. Our experienced providers are here to help you manage your symptoms and recover as quickly as possible. Whether you need advice on symptom relief, evaluation for more serious infections, or recommendations for supportive care, our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care for you and your family. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit—Nova Medical Group is here to help you feel better, sooner.

A runny nose is a common symptom seen in both colds and the flu, and many patients visit Nova Medical Group concerned about what it may mean for their health. It’s important to understand that, on its own, a runny nose does not indicate the severity of an illness. The body produces nasal discharge to help clear viruses, bacteria, and irritants from the nasal passages—a normal part of your immune response.

In most cases, a runny nose is one of the first signs of a common cold, often accompanied by sneezing, a sore throat, and mild fatigue. These symptoms tend to be more pronounced with colds than with influenza. When it comes to the flu, while a runny nose can occur, symptoms such as high fever, severe body aches, and significant fatigue are more reliable indicators of a more serious infection.

At Nova Medical Group, our providers emphasize that the overall combination of symptoms is the best way to determine the seriousness of your illness. If you or a family member are experiencing high and persistent fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration, it is important to seek prompt medical attention, as these may signal a more severe or complicated infection.

While a runny nose alone is rarely cause for concern, if you are worried about your symptoms or if they are getting worse, we encourage you to contact Nova Medical Group for expert guidance and care. Our team is here to help you feel better and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment for your specific needs.

At Nova Medical Group, we know that one of the most annoying symptoms of a cold is a constantly runny nose. But did you know that this is actually a sign that your body’s immune system is hard at work?
When you catch a cold, your immune system responds to the viral infection by releasing chemicals and increasing blood flow to your nose and throat. This leads to the production of more mucus by the cells lining your nasal passages and sinuses. While mucus is always present to trap dust and germs, during a cold, it often becomes thinner and more watery.

This change happens because your immune system releases substances like histamine and cytokines, which make your nasal blood vessels expand and leak fluid. As a result, your nose produces more fluid-rich, watery mucus. This helps flush out viruses and irritants from your nasal passages, making it easier for your body to recover.

If you’re struggling with cold symptoms, including a persistent runny nose, our experienced providers at Nova Medical Group are here to help. We can offer guidance on symptom relief, determine if additional treatment is needed, and provide expert care to help you recover quickly and comfortably. If your symptoms last longer than expected, worsen, or you have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Nova Medical Group.

At Nova Medical Group, our experienced physicians, including Dr. Akash Patel, MD, are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for common cold symptoms such as a runny nose. When you visit Nova Medical Group for cold-related concerns, Dr. Patel and our team will recommend personalized strategies to help relieve your symptoms and promote a speedy recovery.

Our approach often starts with supportive care—encouraging you to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated with fluids like water, clear broths, or warm teas. To help clear mucus and ease nasal congestion, we may suggest using saline nasal sprays or rinses, which are safe and effective for most patients.

Depending on your medical history and specific needs, Dr. Patel may recommend over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants, taking care to ensure these options are safe for you. Additionally, our team might advise using a humidifier in your room to maintain moisture in the air, which can help soothe irritated nasal tissues.

At Nova Medical Group, your health and safety are our top priorities. We always monitor for signs of complications, such as persistent high fever, shortness of breath, or symptoms lasting longer than ten days. If any of these arise, we’ll provide timely follow-up care and further evaluation as needed.

For more information, please contact us today or book 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.