Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea)

Audience: adult

A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, is a common symptom often caused by colds, allergies, or mild infections. It usually resolves on its own without the need for in-person medical care. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, suggest home care tips, and decide if further evaluation is needed. However, some signs may mean you need to see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe symptoms, signs of infection, or breathing difficulties. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important for your safety. This guide explains common causes of a runny nose, red flags to watch for, and how telemedicine can support your care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days — seek urgent medical evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath — go to emergency care immediately.
• Severe facial pain, swelling, or headache — consult a healthcare provider in person promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild runny nose symptoms without fever or breathing difficulty.
• Advice on symptom management and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Signs of serious infection like high fever or facial swelling.
• Emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination or treatment.

What Causes a Runny Nose?

A runny nose happens when your nasal tissues produce extra mucus. Common causes include:

Most causes are mild and improve without special treatment.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Runny Nose

Telemedicine can be helpful if you have a runny nose with:

A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, suggest remedies, and guide you on what to watch for at home.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain signs mean you should get in-person medical help promptly:

These may indicate a more serious infection or complication.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

If you develop any red flags, seek immediate in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and progression of your runny nose symptoms.
• Record any additional symptoms such as fever, cough, or headache.
• Take your temperature and oxygen saturation if possible.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure a quiet space and stable internet connection for your telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening or new signs.
• Maintain good hygiene to reduce spread of infection.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if red flags develop.
• Seek emergency care immediately if severe symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can a runny nose be treated with home remedies?

Yes, many runny noses improve with simple home care such as staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays, and resting. Avoid irritants like smoke and allergens when possible.

When should I worry about a runny nose?

You should seek medical attention if you have a high fever lasting more than 3 days, difficulty breathing, severe facial pain or swelling, or if your symptoms worsen or last longer than 10 days.

Is telemedicine safe for evaluating a runny nose?

Telemedicine is often safe and effective for mild symptoms. It allows healthcare providers to assess your condition, provide advice, and determine if you need in-person care.

Can allergies cause a runny nose?

Yes, allergies are a common cause of a runny nose. They often come with sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion but usually do not cause fever.

What should I do if my runny nose is accompanied by green or yellow mucus?

Colored mucus alone is common and not always a sign of bacterial infection. However, if it lasts more than 10 days or is accompanied by other red flags, seek medical evaluation.

Sources

1. Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Common Cold — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Allergic Rhinitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.