Causes
A runny nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is a fluid discharge from the nose. This can be clear or colored mucus that drains into the throat or nasal passages. It is usually caused by an infection or an allergic reaction. If left untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible when you have a runny nose.
Allergies are a common cause of rhinorrhea. They occur when the immune system mistakenly thinks a substance is harmful to the body and attacks it. This can result in a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or coughing. Common allergens that trigger a runny nose include pollen, animal dander, dust, and mold.
Infections of the sinuses or adenoids may also result in rhinorrhea. These infections are typically caused by viruses or bacteria that invade the sinuses and the tissue surrounding them. The infected sinuses fill with infected mucus, resulting in a runny nose.
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Other causes of a runny nose include cold weather, spicy foods, or medications that worsen symptoms. These medications include birth control pills, certain drugs for high blood pressure (eg, alpha-blockers and beta-blockers), antidepressants, and some medicines for erectile dysfunction or prostatic enlargement.
Nonallergic Rhinitis
Nonallergic rhinitis is when you have a runny nose and related symptoms for weeks or months without an allergy diagnosis. Irritants like tobacco smoke, traffic fumes, and strong odors can trigger this type of rhinitis. Other triggers can include bright sunlight and hormonal changes such as those that happen during puberty or pregnancy.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and take your past health history to determine the cause of your rhinorrhea. He or she will inspect the area over the sinuses, and the skin of the nose and throat will be palpated for erythema. The patient will also be asked about the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Allergies and other factors that lead to a runny nose can be treated with antihistamines or decongestants, while bacterial and viral infections are generally treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Rhinorrhea is the discharge of thin, clear, or colored mucus fluid from the nose. This may occur from allergies, cold temperatures, or certain drugs and irritants. Rhinorrhea may be chronic, and it can affect the quality of life. If you have a runny nose, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Patients with allergic rhinitis can present with a wide range of symptoms, including nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, eye irritation, headache, nosebleeds, or sinus pain and pressure. These symptoms tend to recur at regular intervals, and they are often worse during specific seasons, such as spring or fall. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it is believed that overactive nerve cells inside the nose produce excess mucus. Drink plenty of water to help prevent overproduction of mucus. Avoid known irritants, such as smoke and pollutants, to minimize allergy-related rhinorrhea.
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Chronic rhinitis may also be caused by the overproduction of mucus by the body to keep nasal passages warm and moist. In addition, a common cold or flu can lead to a runny nose. Other causes include nasal foreign bodies, a ruptured septum, or the presence of a tumor. If your runny nose is caused by medication, ask your doctor if there are other medications you can take that won’t trigger this side effect.
A rare but serious cause of runny nose is a cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF rhinorrhea). CSF is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. A leak can occur spontaneously or follow injury to the head, nose, or ear. A sample of the fluid is needed to confirm this diagnosis and to prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
Most patients with a runny nose have a history that can provide clues to the cause. The attending physician can usually keep investigations to a minimum, including a few appropriate screening allergy skin tests and perhaps a blood cell count or nasal specimen for eosinophilia. X-rays of the paranasal sinuses are not usually required, except in the case of focal sinusitis or when a patient is diabetic or immunocompromised and a possible cause for the rhinorrhea has been identified (such as a tumor). CSF rhinorrhea is also easily diagnosed by history and examination.
Treatment
Rhinorrhea occurs when excess fluid drains from the nasal tissues. This may be clear or thick, intermittent or constant. The fluid may originate from the nose or the sinuses. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal obstruction, congestion, nosebleeds, loss of smell, headaches, or sinus infection. There are several treatments for Rhinorrhea. Some treatments help treat the underlying condition while others are designed to reduce the amount of mucus production. Rhinorrhea treatment solutions that target the underlying cause of the issue are usually more effective than those intended to reduce the flow of mucus.
Some treatments for Rhinorrhea include:
Drinking Plenty of Water
The body needs water to create mucus and keep the nasal passages moist. A dehydrated body can produce more mucus to compensate. If a person has a cold or the flu, the body makes more mucus to protect the nasal passage. The body’s reaction to cold weather, spicy foods or certain drugs may also lead to a runny nose.
Decongestants are often the first line of treatment for a runny nose. These medications can be found in over-the-counter and prescription formulations. Decongestants may be taken orally or applied directly to the nostrils. Decongestants work by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose and decreasing mucus production.
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Other medications for a runny nose include antihistamines, corticosteroids and anticholinergics. These medications act by modifying the nerve signals in the brain that stimulate the musculature of the nose and the secretory glands to produce mucus.
If a patient has nasal polyps or other chronic issues that cause rhinorrhea, it may be necessary to consider surgical solution. These options are rarely required, but can provide long-term relief from Rhinorrhea.
Rhinorrhea is a common problem that affects many patients. A seasoned health care provider can distinguish between the various causes of this condition. This can save both time and money by eliminating unnecessary diagnostic techniques and starting helpful treatment early. Ultimately, this saves the cost of health care dollars and helps to reduce the burden on society. Whether the problem is acute or chronic, a quick and accurate diagnosis can reduce the amount of suffering that results from untreated Rhinorrhea.
Prevention
The condition known as rhinorrhea involves a constant flow of thin mucus fluid from the nasal tissues. The fluid can range in color and consistency from clear to yellow-green and may drip down the back of the throat. The condition can be caused by allergies, cold temperatures, spicy foods, a common cold or sinus infections. It can also be the result of a structural abnormality in the nose, such as a deviated septum.
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Rhinorrhea usually runs its course and clears up when the underlying cause goes away. However, there are some at-home remedies that can help reduce the symptoms. One way to reduce mucus production is by drinking plenty of water. Another is to use a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages with sterile water or a weak saline solution. Avoiding irritants like pollutants and allergens can also be helpful.
If the runny nose persists, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat expert) can help diagnose the problem. Tests such as a computed tomography scan or nasal inspiratory flow test may be used to identify the cause of the symptoms. The doctor can then prescribe medications or other treatments that will help relieve the rhinorrhea. He or she can also suggest lifestyle changes that may help prevent the condition from recurring.
