A constant nasal drip can feel minor at first, just a “runny nose” that never quite stops. But when it lasts for weeks or keeps coming back, it usually points to an underlying trigger, most commonly allergies, irritation, chronic inflammation, reflux, or a sinus problem. The key is learning which pattern matches your symptoms and knowing when it could be something more.
What “constant nasal drip” actually means
People use “constant nasal drip” to describe two slightly different problems:
- Anterior drip: mucus runs out of the nostrils.
- Postnasal drip: mucus runs down the back of the throat, often causing throat clearing, cough, hoarseness or a “lump in the throat” sensation.
Both can happen at the same time. The most useful clues are the mucus type (clear vs thick/discolored), timing (seasonal vs year-round), and associated symptoms (itching, fever, facial pressure, reflux, etc.).
When it’s most likely allergies
Allergic rhinitis happens when your immune system reacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander or mold. In Dubai, indoor triggers like dust, air-conditioning exposure, and dust mites can be especially relevant year-round.
Common allergy clues
Allergy-related constant nasal drip often comes with:
- Itchy nose, eyes, or palate
- Sneezing fits
- Watery, clear mucus
- Symptoms that flare in certain places (home, office, around pets) or seasons
- Watery/itchy eyes (less common with nonallergic causes)
Allergies can also drive postnasal drip, leading to chronic cough or throat clearing, especially at night.
What helps if allergies are the cause
Evidence-based first-line strategies include:
- Saline nasal rinse or spray to reduce allergen load in the nose
- Intranasal steroid sprays (often the most effective single therapy for allergic rhinitis when used consistently)
- Non-sedating oral antihistamines for sneezing/itching
For patients seeking a holistic, individualized approach for recurring symptoms, a consultation at the Homeopathy Clinic in Dubai – Calcium Clinic may also be considered alongside standard care.
When it might be “more than allergies”
If you do not have itchiness or sneezing, symptoms are one-sided, or you have facial pain, reflux, or thick mucus, another cause becomes more likely.
1) A lingering viral cold
A common cold can cause constant drip, but it usually improves within about 7 to 10 days, sometimes up to two weeks. If the drip persists beyond that or keeps cycling, it is worth checking for other triggers.
2) Acute bacterial sinusitis (sometimes)
Most sinus infections start viral. Bacterial sinusitis is more likely when symptoms:
- Last 10+ days with no improvement or
- Worsen after initial improvement (“double sickening”) or
- Include high fever and purulent nasal discharge for several days
If you want a deeper symptom comparison, Calcium Clinic also explains timelines and red flags in Bacterial Sinus Infection or Viral? Know the Difference.
3) Chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation lasting 12+ weeks)
If you have at least 12 weeks of nasal blockage/congestion, drainage (anterior or postnasal), reduced smell, and sometimes facial pressure, chronic inflammation of the sinuses may be involved. Causes can include allergies, nasal polyps, structural narrowing, and ongoing irritant exposure.
4) Nonallergic rhinitis (irritant or “vasomotor” rhinitis)
Some people get constant nasal drip triggered by:
- Perfumes, smoke, air fresheners
- Temperature changes (hot outdoor air, cold AC)
- Pollution and dust
- Spicy foods (gustatory rhinitis)
This often causes a runny nose without itchiness and can be mistaken for allergies.
5) Medication-related runny nose
Certain medications can contribute to nasal symptoms in some people. Examples include:
- Some blood pressure medications
- Overuse of topical nasal decongestant sprays (rebound congestion)
If your constant drip started after a medication change, mention that to your clinician.
6) Acid reflux (GERD or LPR)
Reflux can irritate the throat and upper airway and may feel like constant postnasal drip even when the nose is not producing much mucus.
Clues that reflux is contributing include:
- Throat clearing, hoarseness
- Symptoms worse after late meals, coffee, spicy/fatty foods
- A sour taste or heartburn (though LPR can happen without classic heartburn)
7) Structural causes (deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps)
If you have long-term congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, reduced smell, or repeated sinus issues, structural narrowing or polyps can play a role. These often require an in-person exam.
8) A dental source (yes, sometimes)
Upper back teeth sit close to the maxillary sinuses. In some cases, a dental infection, an untreated cavity, or complications around a tooth root can irritate the nearby sinus and contribute to sinus-like symptoms.
This possibility becomes more relevant when:
- Symptoms are mostly one-sided
- You have upper molar tooth pain, sensitivity, gum swelling, or a bad taste
- Sinus symptoms keep recurring despite standard measures
Because Calcium Clinic provides dental care in Deira, a dental evaluation can be an important step when sinus symptoms do not fit a typical allergy pattern.
9) Rare but important: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
A CSF leak is uncommon, but it can present as persistent clear watery drainage, often from one nostril, sometimes worse when leaning forward. This is more concerning if there was head trauma, sinus surgery, or severe headache. This scenario needs urgent medical evaluation.
Quick comparison: constant nasal drip causes and telltale patterns
| Likely cause | Typical mucus | Common accompanying symptoms | Pattern clues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic rhinitis | Clear, watery | Itchy eyes/nose, sneezing | Seasonal or exposure-related (dust, pets, mold) |
| Viral cold | Clear then thicker | Sore throat, mild body aches | Improves in 7 to 14 days |
| Bacterial sinusitis | Thicker, discolored | Facial pressure, reduced smell, fever sometimes | 10+ days no improvement or “worsening after improving” |
| Nonallergic (irritant/vasomotor) rhinitis | Clear, watery | Usually no itch, may have congestion | Triggered by odor, smoke, AC, temperature changes |
| Reflux (GERD/LPR) | Often feels like throat mucus | Hoarseness, throat clearing | Worse after meals, at night, with certain foods |
| Dental-related sinus irritation | Variable | Tooth/gum symptoms, one-sided pressure | Upper molar issues, one-sided symptoms |
Safe at-home steps that often help (and how to do them correctly)
If you are not having red-flag symptoms, these measures are commonly recommended and generally safe for most adults.
Saline rinse (often high value)
A saline rinse can reduce mucus thickness and flush irritants.
Important safety note: use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water for neti pots or squeeze bottles (not straight tap water).
Humidity and hydration
Dry indoor air (common with constant AC) can irritate nasal lining.
- Drink enough fluids to keep mucus thinner.
- Consider a humidifier if your room is very dry.
Trigger control for allergies and irritants
If dust is a suspected trigger, simple steps can make a difference:
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water when possible
- Use a HEPA vacuum, especially in bedrooms
- Keep windows closed during dusty conditions
Over-the-counter options (choose based on symptoms)
- Intranasal steroid sprays: helpful for allergic inflammation and chronic congestion (work best with daily use for several days to weeks).
- Oral antihistamines: best for sneezing and itch.
- Decongestant sprays: can help short-term, but avoid using them for more than a few days to prevent rebound congestion.
If you have glaucoma, prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, are pregnant or are treating chronic conditions, check with a clinician before choosing OTC medicines.
When to see a doctor (or seek urgent care)
Get urgent medical attention if you have:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or lip/face swelling
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion
- Swelling around the eyes, vision changes, or severe facial swelling
- Persistent one-sided clear watery drip after trauma or surgery
Book a medical evaluation soon (not necessarily emergency) if:
- Your constant nasal drip lasts more than 10 to 14 days with no improvement
- Symptoms keep returning for weeks to months
- You have fever, significant facial pain, foul-smelling discharge, or reduced smell
- You have tooth pain, gum swelling, or one-sided sinus symptoms (to rule out dental causes)
How Calcium Clinic can help in Deira
Because constant nasal drip can overlap with sinus issues, allergies, reflux and sometimes dental causes, getting the right diagnosis matters as much as symptom relief.
At Calcium Clinic in Deira, Dubai, patients can access:
- Dental assessment when an upper-tooth problem could be contributing to sinus symptoms
- Personalized care plans, with a patient-centered approach
- Homeopathy consultations for patients who want a holistic, individualized approach alongside standard medical care (especially for recurrent or chronic symptom patterns)
If you are exploring safe home strategies first, you may also find practical guidance in Home Remedy for Sinus Infection: What’s Safe to Try.
Book an appointment in Deira if your symptoms won’t quit
If your constant nasal drip has lasted more than two weeks, keeps recurring, or comes with facial pressure, a persistent cough, or tooth pain, it is worth getting a targeted evaluation.
You can book a visit at Calcium Clinic in Deira, Dubai to discuss your symptoms, rule out dental contributors when relevant, and explore a personalized care plan (including holistic options through homeopathy when appropriate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can allergies cause constant nasal drip every day?
Yes. Perennial allergies (often dust mites, indoor mold, or pet dander) can cause daily symptoms, including postnasal drip, especially in indoor environments.
What color mucus means infection?
Color alone is not a reliable test. Thick yellow/green mucus can occur with viral infections too. Duration (10+ days without improvement) and worsening symptoms are more useful clues.
Why is my nasal drip worse at night?
Lying down can make postnasal drip more noticeable. Nighttime dryness, reflux, and bedroom allergens (dust mites) can also contribute.
Can a tooth infection cause sinus symptoms and drip?
Sometimes. Upper molar infections can irritate the nearby maxillary sinus and mimic sinusitis, particularly with one-sided symptoms or tooth/gum pain.
Is it safe to do a saline nasal rinse daily?
For many people, yes, when done correctly with sterile or previously boiled water and a properly cleaned device. If you have frequent nosebleeds or significant irritation, stop and ask a clinician.
