Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to Seek Care
“The sniffles” is a slang term that usually refers tonasal congestion(stuffy nose), nasal discharge (runny nose), and/or the minor illnesses associated with them, such as the common cold. The official term for a runny nose is “rhinorrhea,” which describes excess fluid (mucus) draining from the nose. This fluid can vary from thick to thin, clear to opaque, and intermittent to constant.
A runny nose is a typical symptom of thecommon cold. Adults experience an average of two to three colds a year (and children even more frequently).
LaylaBird / Getty Images
Symptoms of Sniffles
Symptoms of the common cold can include:
These symptoms usually peak within two to three days and can last up to 10–14 days. At first, nasal mucus is clear but may change to white, yellow, or green after a few days. The color does not mean you have an infection that requires antibiotics.
Common Triggers for RhinitisCommontriggers for rhinitisinclude:Pollen (from trees, grass, and weeds)Dust mitesAnimal danderMoldCockroach wasteSmoke, fumes, and odorsCertain foods/spicesHormonal changesEnvironmental changesCertain medicationsTemperature
Common Triggers for Rhinitis
Commontriggers for rhinitisinclude:Pollen (from trees, grass, and weeds)Dust mitesAnimal danderMoldCockroach wasteSmoke, fumes, and odorsCertain foods/spicesHormonal changesEnvironmental changesCertain medicationsTemperature
Commontriggers for rhinitisinclude:
Causes of Sniffles
An excess of thick mucus can cause nasal congestion, but a stuffy nose usually results from the swelling of inflamed blood vessels in the tissues lining the nose.
Various things can cause a stuffy or runny nose, including:
Infections:
Allergies:
Medications:
Physical/structural abnormalities:
Other conditions:
Other factors:
Sniffles vs. COVID-19Some symptoms of “the sniffles” (like some common cold symptoms) can overlap with signs ofCOVID-19. For some people with COVID-19, symptoms can appear mild and be mistaken for a cold or other minor illness. It’s important to watch for other COVID-19 symptoms, and not just assume it’s a cold. If possible, take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms, even if you think you have a cold.
Sniffles vs. COVID-19
Some symptoms of “the sniffles” (like some common cold symptoms) can overlap with signs ofCOVID-19. For some people with COVID-19, symptoms can appear mild and be mistaken for a cold or other minor illness. It’s important to watch for other COVID-19 symptoms, and not just assume it’s a cold. If possible, take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms, even if you think you have a cold.
How to Treat Sniffles
If you have a cold, let it run its course while your body fights it off. Though you can’t cure your illness, there are some ways to help you feel better while you’re sick, including the following:
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medications that may help with symptom relief.Cough, cold, andallergy medicationscan have multiple ingredients that may overlap or interact with other medications. Check the ingredients in all your medications and take them as directed to avoid taking too much or experiencing drug interactions.
If allergies cause your nasal congestion, you can take measures to reduce your allergy triggers, such as:
Medications and Children
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or pharmacist before giving your child over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some OTC medications can be harmful to children of certain ages, including:
Complications Associated With Sniffles
Runny nose and nasal congestion from colds usually resolve without issue. Rarely, acute untreatedsinus infectionscan lead to more serious infections.When mucus backs up, it can drip down your throat and make it sore, leading to coughing. In addition, if excess mucus backs up into theeustachiantube, it can lead to ear pain or an ear infection.
If nasal passages are irritated or obstructed for an extended period, sleep, ear health, quality of life, and facial development (in children) may be affected.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Sniffles?
A healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and check the throat, nose, ears, and airways. If more than acommon coldis suspected, additional tests may be run, such as:
Sometimes, a healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist, such as anotolaryngologist(ear, nose, and throat specialist) or an allergist.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare providerif:
Seek medical care right away if you or your child experience any of the following:
Summary
“The sniffles” is a slang term for astuffy or runny noseor the minor illnesses that cause them, such as the common cold.
Colds or allergies commonly cause nasal discharge and congestion. Colds can’t be cured, but treating the symptoms with home measures such assaline rinses, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest can help.
OTC medications may help nasal congestion but should be taken as directed and with caution. Do not give OTC medication to children without checking with their healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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