Think your runny nose is relentless, like that annoying leaky faucet? You've probably pinned it on the common cold or sinusitis, maybe even seasonal allergies or COVID-19. But the list of usual suspects isn't that short, folks! If your nose is always living its own marathon, culprits like enlarged adenoids, nasal polyps, or (yes, we said it) cancer can't be ignored.

Some causes are as simple as managing stress or tweaking your surroundings. Perhaps, the answer lies in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another underlying health condition. Guess what, drama queens? Even crying can turn your nose into a leaky nutcase!

Let's run you through the 19 reasons why your nose might be going on a mucus frenzy, and what you can do about it. Oh, and we also tell you when it's time to stop playing Sherlock and book an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Number 1 on the list: the common cold, mainly caused by the rhinovirus. Your nose turns into a mini Niagra Falls within the first two to three days of catching this virus. Usually, what starts as clear mucus can turn white, yellow, or even green soon after.

COVID-19 could also leave your nose running like a chased thief. If COVID-19 is your runny nose bandit, get tested straight away if you're at high risk for severe symptoms. Most people can treat COVID-19 at home with OTC medicines, but severe cases may require antiviral medicine. Your best weapon against this foe? Vaccination!

Ah, good old allergies! They make us all snotty, especially during the dreaded Spring and Fall seasons. Your body's defense system turns on the mucus tap thanks to all the allergens in the air. Of course, antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays can fix things.

Ever find your nose running faster than you in the cold? That's your body trying to moisturize and warm up the air entering your nose. A handy scarf or mask over your nose could be a quick fix.

If you're someone who enjoys the heat and we mean 'spicy-food' heat, don’t be surprised by a runny nose. Any food can turn on the waterworks, but the common culprits are spices such as black pepper, curry, garlic, and anything that sets your tongue on fire. No, this isn't your immune system throwing a tantrum; it's more of a nerve stimulation.

Did you know hormones could be messing with your nasal passages? They can make your mucus glands go haywire. If you are on birth control, menstruating, or pregnant and face a persistent runny nose, it's probably the hormones!

Your runny nose could be a side effect of medications you're on or from physical activities, especially aerobic ones. In such cases, a medication called Atrovent could help.

We are covering all possibilities here, yes, including the rare ones. Whether it's a spinal fluid leak, a disease leading to tissue inflammation, or GERD –all these could make your nose run persistently.

A word of caution here. If you have a runny nose for more than a week with severe symptoms, it might be time you booked an appointment with your healthcare provider.