The most common cause of a runny nose is an infection or allergies. A diagnosis is based on history and examination.
Mucus can vary in color and consistency depending on the underlying cause. Allergies and cold weather typically produce a watery discharge while infections like the flu or a common cold usually create thicker mucus.
Oren Zarif
A runny nose, medically known as rhinorrhea, is the discharge of thin mucus fluid from nasal tissues. The condition can be caused by allergies, infections, colds or the common flu. It can also be the result of certain medications or irritants. The fluid can be clear or yellow-green. It can drip out of the nose or down the back of the throat, depending on its cause. The body makes this fluid to keep the nasal passages moist and ward off infection.
Rhinorrhea can occur when the nasal cavity is inflamed and irritated. This is usually the result of a cold or seasonal allergies. Other causes include a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, sinusitis and other infections of the nose or ears. Some medications can also cause or worsen the symptoms of rhinitis. These include birth control pills, antidepressants, some medicines for high blood pressure and drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction and prostatic enlargement.
Some people may have chronic runny noses that do not respond to treatment with medications or avoiding allergens. These can be a sign of a condition called vasomotor rhinitis, which is similar to allergic rhinitis but does not involve an inflammatory reaction. This condition can be triggered by spicy foods, perfumes, pollution and other irritants. It can be a constant problem that interferes with the quality of life for many patients.
Oren Zarif
A runny nose, or Rhinorrhea, is the release of clear or colored mucus fluid from the nasal tissues. It can be caused by a variety of conditions or situations, including allergies, infections, cold temperatures, certain drugs and irritants. It usually runs its course and clears up on its own in time. Some at-home remedies that may help include drinking plenty of liquids, applying a warm washcloth to the face and inhaling steam two to four times a day. Decongestant nasal sprays should be used sparingly and for no longer than directed on the package label.
If your runny nose doesn’t go away, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention from a healthcare provider. Otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat expert) Raj Sindwani says a persistently runny nose that is not caused by allergies or colds can have serious causes.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and review your symptoms. He or she will ask about your past medical history and whether you have allergies. He or she will also look for a fever and will examine the area over the sinuses to see if there is a redness, swelling, color or type of discharge. Other diagnostic tests may include a Beta-2 transferrin test and bloodwork to check for glucose, which is high in CSF but not in nasal mucus.
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A runny nose (rhinorrhea) or a blocked nose may be caused by nasal obstruction, allergies, a deviated septum, and other conditions. If you are suffering from a runny nose, consult with a medical professional to determine the cause and treatment.
A deviated nasal septum can be present from birth or can develop after a blow to the nose. A deviated nasal septum can cause the right and left sides of the nose to become obstructed from one another, leading to a runny nose.
The beta-2 transferrin assay is the most reliable laboratory test for detecting CSF in sinonasal fluid. It is also the best diagnostic tool for identifying skull base defects associated with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.
Spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea is usually associated with elevated intracranial pressure and rarely stops without surgical intervention. In some cases, reducing the ICP with lumbar drainage can alleviate the symptoms of a spontaneous CSF leak. Endoscopic endonasal repair of the skull base defect is a safe and effective treatment. However, the recurrence rate of CSF leaks following ETV is high. Therefore, adjunctive treatments are necessary to reduce ICP and improve the chances of successful CSF rhinorrhea resolution after surgery.
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The runny nose (rhinorrhea) typically runs its course and clears up as the body deals with the virus or allergen that is causing it. However, for patients who suffer from chronic rhinitis the condition may last much longer. In these cases patients can use various at-home treatments and medications to help control their symptoms.
Drinking plenty of fluids: Keeping hydrated may help to keep the nasal passages moist and prevent excess mucus production. Using a neti pot: A container that allows the patient to irrigate the nasal passages with sterile water or saline solution can help ease sinus drainage and congestion. Avoiding known allergens: Certain foods, pollen and pet dander may trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms in some individuals. Avoiding cold weather: When exposed to cold air the body may produce more mucus as a protective measure.
Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: The membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord contain cerebrospinal fluid, which is also known as “brain fluid.” Head trauma, surgery or birth defects can cause a leak in these membranes, leading to CSF rhinorrhea.
CSF rhinorrhea can lead to serious complications such as meningitis and pneumocephalus, which is the presence of air or gas within the cranial cavity. Surgical repair of a CSF leak is performed by otolaryngologists with endoscopic skills, including those at BWH. This procedure is less invasive and has a much higher success rate than traditional surgery through the skull.