A runny nose in cold weather is common. Although a runny nose may leave you wondering if you’re starting to get sick, runny noses can happen for a variety of different reasons. During the winter, cold air can cause the blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict, leading the body to produce more mucus as a protective response. This excess mucus is intended to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs. The dry air associated with cold weather during the winter time can irritate the nasal lining, further triggering mucus production. Understanding this natural defense mechanism helps explain why your nose runs more when the temperatures drop.

If you’re experiencing a runny nose, it could be caused by a wide range of different factors. For same-day symptom diagnosis, walk into AFC Urgent Care Back Bay! Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic for prompt care when it’s most convenient for you!

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Environmental Factors

Vasomotor rhinitis is a non-allergic rhinitis where the nasal passages become inflamed without an allergic trigger. It occurs due to the abnormal regulation of blood flow in the nasal blood vessels, which causes the nose to become congested or runny. Various environmental factors, including cold air, strong odors, smoke, changes in weather, or stress, can trigger this condition. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing, and they can be bothersome, especially during seasonal changes or exposure to irritants.

Temperature plays a significant role in triggering or exacerbating conditions like vasomotor rhinitis and other respiratory issues. Cold temperatures, for example, cause the blood vessels in the nasal passages to constrict, which can lead to increased mucus production. This response can cause a runny nose or congestion, especially for people prone to vasomotor rhinitis. On the other hand, hot or humid conditions can also trigger nasal congestion by increasing the sensitivity of the nasal lining to irritants. 

Illnesses

Self-diagnosing the cause of a runny nose can be difficult. Although runny noses are common in the winter due to the weather, runny noses can also be an early illness symptom. When viruses and bacteria invade our bodies, excess mucus is created to try to flush the pathogen out. This can lead to a runny nose occurring prior to any other illness symptoms.

If your runny nose is accompanied by other illness symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or fever, you should seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and administer any necessary treatments to ensure that you recover quickly if you’re sick.

How to Prevent Cold-Weather Runny Nose

It can be frustrating fighting off a runny nose caused by cold weather. Preventing a cold-weather runny nose involves several strategies to minimize irritation and help the body adjust to temperature changes. Here are some tips:

• Keep warm: Dressing in layers, especially covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or mask, can help warm the air before it reaches your nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier: Cold air is often dry, which can irritate your nasal passages. Using a humidifier indoors helps maintain moisture in the air, reducing dryness and discomfort.
• Saline nasal spray: A saline spray or rinse can help moisturize the nasal passages and clear out any excess mucus caused by cold air.

Walk Into AFC Back Bay for Same-Day Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re experiencing a runny nose that won’t go away or is accompanied by other illness symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. Treating an illness early while your symptoms are mild will reduce your recovery time. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our board-certified medical providers are available to provide prompt illness care to patients in Boston, MA, 7 days a week. We accept most medical insurance plans and accept walk-in patients daily. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you for prompt same-day care!