Everyone has struggled with a runny nose at some point. Although runny noses are not considered to be a severe illness symptom, they can be frustrating to manage. Runny noses can sometimes indicate that you’re sick. However, runny noses can happen due to other conditions as well. Keep reading to learn about what causes a runny nose and how to tell whether your runny nose is caused by an illness or something else.
If you’re in need of rapid illness symptom relief, you can count on AFC Waltham. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day illness treatment for patients in Waltham, MA, and the surrounding communities 7 days a week. Walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you, or schedule your visit in advance online using the button below.
Common Causes of a Runny Nose
If you’re experiencing a runny nose, you may automatically worry that you’re sick. Having a runny nose is a common illness symptom. It happens when your body identifies an irritant and creates mucus to flush it out of the sinuses and away from the lungs. Viral infections such as colds are a common cause of a runny nose, however, exposure to cold or dry air can cause irritation to the airway and lead to a runny nose. Additionally, allergens such as pollen are irritants that can trigger your immune system to flush out your sinuses via a runny nose.
How to Tell If Your Runny Nose Is Caused by an Illness
Having a runny nose can be caused by a variety of different conditions. It can be difficult to determine whether your runny nose is caused by an illness. In most cases, a runny nose caused by an illness will be accompanied by other illness symptoms. This may include a fever, cough, or a sore throat. If your runny nose is caused by something other than an illness, it may be your only symptom. It may also flare up when you go outside, which may indicate that it is caused by allergies or cold air drying out your nasal passages.
Illness Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment near Waltham, MA
If you’re feeling sick or experiencing a persistent runny nose, it is important to seek medical care for a formal symptom diagnosis. Understanding the exact cause of your symptoms is the only way to effectively treat them. Your medical provider will be able to evaluate your symptoms and perform the necessary diagnostic testing such as bloodwork or swabbing your throat to test for signs of an infection. Based on the results, they will determine the necessary course of treatment.
If your runny nose is caused by something other than an illness, over-the-counter nasal sprays can help keep your nasal passages hydrated and reduce irritation due to allergens and other irritants. Talk to your medical provider to learn the best course of treatment for your symptoms.
Walk into AFC Waltham for Same-Day Illness Care in Waltham, MA
Are you suffering from illness symptoms? AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers patients in Waltham, MA, and the surrounding communities with same-day illness diagnosis and treatment services. Our clinic is fully equipped to diagnose and treat a variety of common ailments using our on-site laboratory!
We never require that you schedule an appointment to receive prompt care - simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you! We’re open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. We pride ourselves on providing affordable rates for our care and we work with most major medical insurance providers. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (781) 894-6900.
