“The sniffles” is another way of referring to nasal congestion, also known as a runny or stuffy nose. When you have the sniffles, you may feel like you have to take in short, “sniffing” breaths to clear your nose of mucus—hence the name.
Sniffles are often caused by the common cold, the flu, sinus infections, or allergies. Other potential causes include nasal polyps, using decongestant nasal sprays too often, and more.
Typically, sniffles are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own. However, you may need to see a healthcare provider if they are paired with other, more serious symptoms.
The main symptom of the sniffles is a blocked, runny, or stuffy nose. This happens due to inflammation of the mucous membranes inside your nasal passageways.
Nasal congestion is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Headache
- Fever
The length and severity of your sniffle symptoms will vary based on the underlying cause. For example, the common cold typically reaches its peak in just two to three days, while seasonal allergies may last much longer.
What Does It Mean When You Have the Sniffles?
Sniffles—also known as nasal congestion or a runny nose—are typically a symptom of a condition, allergy, or infection that affects the nose and sinuses. Identifying the other symptoms accompanying your sniffles may help you determine the root cause.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies—also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever—often lead to the sniffles. This allergic reaction is caused by the immune system’s “overreaction” to allergens such as pollen.
Naturally, seasonal allergies are more likely to occur during times of the year when pollen counts are especially high. Other common triggers for allergic rhinitis include mold, pet dander, and dust.
In addition to a stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing, allergic rhinitis may cause the following symptoms:
- Irritated, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose, skin, mouth, or throat
- Lethargy
- Reduced sense of smell
- Headache
- Dark or puffy undereye circles
- Clogged ears
Cold
The common cold—a viral infection typically caused by rhinoviruses—is one of the most frequent causes of the sniffles. You’re especially likely to get a cold during the fall and winter seasons, or if you’ve recently had close contact with someone who has a cold. Cold symptoms typically peak within the first few days, but your runny nose and sniffles could last up to two weeks.
Flu
The flu is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause the sniffles along with sneezing and clear, watery nasal discharge. Other flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Headache
- Nauseaand vomiting
- Cough
- Sore throat
The flu typically doesn’t cause serious complications. You can take medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to lower your fever and relieve pain. If you have a high risk of complications due to another health condition, you may be prescribed antiviral drugs to lessen the severity and length of your illness.
Sinus Infection
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which can lead to a bacterial sinus infection. Typically, the infection causes severe nasal congestion that can last for one to two weeks. Along with sniffles, other symptoms of a sinus infection include:
- Fever
- Postnasal drip
- Green or yellow nasal discharge
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cough
Nonallergic Rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinitis refers to rhinitis that isn’t caused by allergies or infection. Instead, it has many potential triggers, such as:
- Weather changes, especially when the air is cold
- Certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol or spicy foods
- Pollution
- Certain medications
- Intense emotions
- Strong chemicals and odors
Nonallergic rhinitis will produce similar symptoms to seasonal allergies, including runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing.
Pregnancy
Some people develop symptoms of rhinitis during pregnancy. The most common symptoms to appear are nasal congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), itchiness, sneezing, postnasal drip, and a decreased sense of smell.
These symptoms typically occur in the last two months of pregnancy and resolve on their own within two weeks of delivery. It’s not entirely clear what causes pregnancy-induced rhinitis (PIN), but some researchers argue it's due to pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Nasal Polyps
Over time, untreated inflammation in the nasal passageways can lead to the growth of nasal polyps. These soft, round bumps grow on the lining of the nose or sinuses and are typically benign. However, they can cause symptoms like sniffles, a stuffy nose, problems with smell and taste, and snoring. If nasal polyps grow too large, they may obstruct the sinuses or nasal airway.
Overuse of Decongestant Nasal Sprays
Using decongestant nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline beyond one to three days can have negative side effects. In particular, using nasal spray too often can lead to “rebound” congestion, which can become chronic. It may take some time after stopping the sprays for the symptoms to subside. A nasal steroid spray can often help with the rebound symptoms.
Typically, the sniffles don’t lead to serious health complications. However, nasal congestion can interfere with sleep quality over time. Research indicates that allergic rhinitis is linked to various kinds of sleep disturbances, including:
- Insomnia
- Lowered sleep quality
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Frequent nighttime wakings
There’s also some evidence that chronic sinusitis may be connected to hearing loss and problems with auditory processing. This could be due to the effects of chronic inflammation on the functioning of the inner ear.
How Are Sniffles Treated?
The sniffles can often be treated at home with self-care or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. You can try:
- Rinsing with saline nasal washes
- Using a humidifier
- Inhaling steam several times per day
- Staying hydrated to keep mucus thin
- Taking OTC antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) for allergies
Your healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid nasal sprays to treat nonallergic rhinitis or shrink nasal polyps. Large nasal polyps could require surgical removal.
Finally, if you have a bacterial sinus infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
The symptoms of the sniffles often resolve on their own or with simple at-home care. However, you should reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or if you experience:
- High fever
- Persistent coughing
- Congestion after a recent head injury
- Foul-smelling, one-sided, or discolored mucus
- Severe sore throat
- Bumps in the throat
- Blurry vision
- Swelling in the forehead, cheeks, or eyes
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of your sniffles, a healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and review your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Typically, additional tests are not needed. However, if your symptoms are persistent or severe, your provider may perform a nasal endoscopy to look more directly into your nose, or they may order any of the following tests:
- Lab tests, such as blood tests
- Imaging tests, such as chest and sinus X-rays
- Cultures of your throat and sputum (mucus and saliva)
They may also refer you to an allergist, who can perform allergy skin tests to determine whether your symptoms are related to an allergic reaction.
It’s not always possible to prevent the sniffles. You can take steps to prevent yourself from contracting or spreading a virus by:
- Washing your hands frequently
- Staying home when you or someone in your household is sick
- Avoiding contact with others you know are sick
- Steering clear of secondhand smoke
- Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze
- Refraining from touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
You can also take the following steps to prevent hay fever:
- Stay inside as much as possible when pollen counts are high
- When outside, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
- Keep your windows closed while driving and sleeping
- Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) air purifier when indoors
If you have severe symptoms, contact an allergist about treatment options—such as allergy shots or medication—that can prevent seasonal allergies.
A Quick Review
“The sniffles” is a term often used to refer to a stuffy or runny nose. Nasal congestion can be caused by the common cold or flu, as well as sinusitis, allergies, nasal polyps, pregnancy, nonallergic rhinitis, and using decongestant nasal sprays excessively. You may experience other symptoms in addition to sniffles, such as irritated eyes, cough, sneezing, and sore throat.
The sniffles can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines. You may need antibiotics if you have an infection. Reach out to a healthcare provider if your sniffles last longer than a few weeks.
