There are no clear stages of a cold with a runny nose. Colds are the result of a viral infection, also known as acute rhinitis or upper respiratory khat. It can be simply categorized into the initial, middle and recovery stages of a cold. In the early stage of a cold, nasal symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose, dominate. In the middle stage of a cold, usually on the 2nd-3rd day of the disease, the nasal mucus will become thicker and be accompanied by headache, tearing, dyspnea and other symptoms, and in severe cases, it may be accompanied by fever, chills, and so on. Physical examination reveals congestion, edema and secretion of the nasal mucosa. In the late stage of the cold, usually on the 5th-7th day of the disease, nasal discharge gradually decreases, accompanied by the disappearance of other symptoms. The course of a cold with a runny nose may vary depending on the individual’s immunity and whether or not medication is used. It is recommended that patients with colds and runny noses who experience recurrent symptoms that do not improve or worsen should seek prompt medical attention to identify the cause of the illness and follow the doctor’s instructions as soon as possible.