What causes a runny nose upon waking up in the morning, and what should be done about it?

Waking up with a runny nose in the morning may be caused by nighttime exposure to cold, dry nasal passages, allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, or sinusitis. Symptoms can be improved through warmth retention, moisturizing care, and medication. If runny nose persists for more than one week or is accompanied by headache or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Nighttime exposure to cold: Insufficient warmth during sleep exposes the nasal mucosa to cold air, causing blood vessels to constrict and reflexively secrete mucus, resulting in clear nasal discharge. It is recommended to stay warm before bedtime, cover up well while sleeping, and drink a cup of warm water upon waking to ease nasal irritation.

2. Dry nasal passages: Water loss from the nasal mucosa due to breathing at night can lead to dryness and sensitivity, triggering increased secretions that appear as small amounts of clear or thick mucus. It is advised to use a humidifier in the bedroom before sleep or apply saline nasal spray to maintain nasal moisture.

3. Allergic rhinitis: Exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold upon waking triggers an allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa, leading to clear, watery nasal discharge accompanied by sneezing and nasal itching. Patients may use medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine tablets, or montelukast sodium tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Acute rhinitis: Viral infection causes acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Continuous inflammatory stimulation at night leads to clear nasal discharge in the morning, often accompanied by nasal congestion and sore throat. Under medical supervision, medications such as ribavirin granules, pediatric paracetamol-phenyl-syrup, and saline nasal spray may be used to alleviate discomfort.

5. Sinusitis: Nasal inflammation spreads to the sinuses, causing congestion, swelling, and pus-like secretions from the sinus mucosa. Nasal discharge increases upon changing body position in the morning, typically appearing as thick yellow mucus along with nasal blockage. Patients may follow medical advice to use cefixime dispersible tablets, Biyuan Tongqiao granules, or budesonide nasal spray to improve symptoms.

For daily care, keep indoor areas clean and well-ventilated, change bedding frequently to reduce allergens, rinse the nasal cavity with warm water after waking, exercise moderately to strengthen immunity, and maintain a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate vitamin intake.