A runny nose may be annoying and uncomfortable, but it usually clears up on its own. Occasionally, it can be a sign of a more serious problem, and runny nose may be serious in infants.

Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms last more than 10 days.
• You have a high fever.
• Your nasal discharge is yellow and green and is accompanied by sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection.
• You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury.

Call your child's doctor if:

• Your child is younger than 2 months and is running a fever.
• Your baby's runny nose or congestion causes trouble nursing or makes breathing difficult.

Self-care

Until you see your doctor, try these simple steps to relieve symptoms:

• Sniffing and swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Avoid known allergic triggers.
• If the runny nose is a persistent, watery discharge, particularly if accompanied by sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, your symptoms may be allergy-related and an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. Be sure to follow the label instructions exactly.
• For babies and small children, use a soft rubber suction bulb to gently remove any secretions.

Try these measures to relieve postnasal drip — when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat:

• Avoid common irritants such as cigarette smoke and sudden humidity changes.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try nasal saline sprays or rinses.

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March 15, 2016