How to stop a runny nose caused by hayfever

A constantly runny nose due to hayfever can be disruptive and awkward.1,2 The good news is that several treatment options can help.1

Runny nose, also known as rhinorrhoea, is one of the most common and  bothersome symptoms of hayfever.1-3  It often occurs alongside other nasal  symptoms of hayfever, such as itchy or blocked nose and sneezing.1

Runny nose due to hayfever often accompanies other nasal symptoms.1

Blocked or congested nose

Nasal itch

Sneezing

Runny nose can be caused by hayfever allergens that are breathed in through the nose, like pollen, mould or pet dander.4 In response to allergens, your body releases histamines, which trigger your nose to produce clear, watery mucus.1,5 The mucus is your body’s way of flushing allergens out of your nasal passages.6

If you have hayfever, a runny nose can start very quickly. It may begin within as little as 3 minutes of being exposed to an allergen.5  When this happens, having an effective treatment on hand can be helpful. If your runny nose is not caused by allergens, speak to your doctor for medical advice.

Tips for preventing runny nose from allergens

If you know what causes your hayfever, minimising exposure to your allergy triggers can help prevent symptoms such as a runny nose.4

Tips for preventing a runny nose during the allergy season6

Close windows

Wear a face mask outdoors

Stay inside on windy days

Use air conditioning

Shower after being outside

Avoid pets if you are sensitive

Treatments for runny nose from hayfever

If your runny nose from hayfever is bothering you, nasal spray treatments are available from your local pharmacy:

  • Non-drowsy antihistamine nasal sprays

    Work by blocking histamines that drive runny nose symptoms.1,5 They can provide quick relief from hayfever symptoms such as runny nose within 30 minutes.1

  • Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS)

    May be helpful if you have a persistent runny nose due to hayfever.1 They can take a few days to start working and need to be used regularly to be effective.1

  • Saline nasal sprays

    Wash away allergens and excess mucus from the nasal passages.1,8 They can be used alone or before using an antihistamine or INCS nasal spray.8 If using a saline irrigation, wait 10 minutes before using your nasal spray.9

If you have tried some or any of these treatments and symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend prescription medicines and refer you to an allergy specialist, if necessary.1

References
  1. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis Clinical Update. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ar/ASCIA_HP_Allergic_Rhinitis_2022.pdf Accessed: August 2024.
  2. Bauchau V and Durham SR. Eur Respir J 2004;24:758–64.
  3. Bousquet J. Allergy 2004;59:373–87.
  4. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever Accessed: August 2024.
  5. Naclerio R. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 2):S382–5.
  6. Cleveland Clinic. Runny Nose. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17660-runny-nose Accessed: August 2024.
  7. Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergen Minimisation. Available at: https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/allergy-treatments/allergen-minimisation  Accessed: August 2024.
  8. Head K et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;6(6):CD012597.
  9. National Asthma Council Australia. Intranasal spray technique for people with allergic rhinitis (2017). Available at: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/healthprofessionals/information-paper/intranasal-spray-technique Accessed: August 2024.