A runny nose that produces clear, watery mucus can be caused by several factors, including:
- Allergies: Allergic rhinitis is often characterized by a clear, watery nasal discharge. This is because your immune system mistakenly identifies allergens (like pollen or dust mites) as threats and triggers the release of histamine. Histamine causes the blood vessels in your nasal passages to dilate, leading to increased mucus production.
- Viral Infections: Colds and the flu can also cause a runny nose with clear mucus. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat.
- Vasomotor Rhinitis: This condition, also known as non-allergic rhinitis, is characterized by a clear, watery nasal discharge that occurs in response to triggers like changes in temperature or eating spicy foods. It's caused by dysregulation of the nerves that supply the nasal cavity, leading to blood vessel dilation and increased mucus production.
- Other Health Conditions: A persistent watery runny nose could also be a symptom of other health conditions, like sinusitis or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
If your runny nose persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like facial pain, fever, or a headache, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
