Rhinorrhea - Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Rhinorrhea?

Rhinorrhea is another term used to describe a runny nose. It is associated with the thick, clear mucus discharge from the nose. Allergies, colder outdoor temperatures, a cold, flu, infection, or other factors can cause it. The drainage may run out from the nose, down to the back of the throat, or both.

Rhinitis is another term used to describe a runny nose. However, it means inflammation of nasal tissues.

What Causes Rhinorrhea?

The mucus is also known as sputum, a clear, sticky material lining the nose, lungs, throat, mouth, and sinuses. It helps keep the nose moist, and the mucus traps the bacteria, viruses, or allergens and helps flush them out of the nose and sinuses. Whenever a person has a cold, or an allergen enters the body, it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses, causing the production of a lot of clear mucus.

After two or three days of infection, the mucus may change color and become white or yellow, and it can also turn green which is a clear indication of infection.

Some of the conditions that cause rhinorrhea include -

1. Cold or Flu - Infections like cold or flu can block the nasal cavity and cause temporary nasal obstruction.

2. Cold Weather - A change in weather can be another reason for mucus discharge.

3. Crying - Whenever a person cries, the tears drain from the tear ducts into the nasal cavity and the nose.

4. Sinus Infections -The sinuses are the air-filled cavities of the face that drain into the nose. During an infection, the mucus gets infected, resulting in sinusitis (infection of the sinuses).

5. Large Adenoids - Enlargement of tissues in the back of the nose in children.

6. Nasal Polyp - Growths in the lining of the nose.

7. Foreign Body Obstruction - In younger children, the obstruction in the nose due to foreign substances such as peanuts or toys can lead to foul-smelling mucus drainage.

8.Nasal Cysts or Tumors - In rare cases, a tumor or cyst can block the passage affecting one side of the nose.

9. Deviated Nasal Septum - Nasal septum is a wall made of bone and cartilage between the right and left sides of the nose. Sometimes the septum can lean to one side, obstructing that side.

10. Allergic Rhinitis - The discharge can result from allergies or the reaction of the nasal lining to allergens such as pollen.

11. Non-Allergic Rhinitis - Reaction of mucus to an irritant like smoke or pollution or other stimuli such as cold weather or hot food.

Nasal congestion is the inflammation or blockage of the nose due to excess fluid or mucus. It can be caused by -

• Hay fever or allergies.

• Usage of nasal sprays or drops without prescription for more than three days.

• Pregnancy.

What Are the Symptoms of Rhinorrhea?

Rhinorrhea is a symptom of a health problem such as cold or allergies. However, symptoms associated with cold or allergy include -

• Clear and thick discharge from the nose.

• Nasal congestion.

• Cough.

• Fever.

• Itchy eyes or nose.

• Sneezing.

What Medications Can Cause a Runny Nose?

Some medicines can have rhinorrhea as a side effect. The medications include -

• Antidepressants.

• Birth control pills.

• Blood pressure medications like ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and beta-blockers.

• Erectile dysfunction medications.

How to Evaluate Rhinorrhea?

For rhinorrhea, ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists) should be consulted. The specialist will take a complete history of the patient and will examine the nose. A device such as a speculum can be used to view the inner side of the nose, and in some cases, a flexible fiberoptic camera may be used to evaluate the nasal cavity.

If the healthcare provider suspects another cause for rhinorrhea, some of the following tests may also be required such as -

• An allergy test.

• A blood test.

• An X-ray of the sinuses.

• A computed tomography (CT) scan.

What Is the Treatment of Rhinorrhea?

There are a few methods that can help in treating rhinorrhea. Some methods help treat the primary cause of a runny nose, such as a cold or flu. In addition, medications can be provided to treat the condition early. However, the patient should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medications.

Some of the following methods can be used to treat rhinorrhea, which includes -

1. Drink Plenty of Fluids - Drinking fluid helps in keeping the area moist and lubricated as a dry nose produces too much mucus.

2. Cleaning of Nose - A person should clean or blow the nose regularly, and it should be done gently.

3. Use Saline Spray - Saline sprays can be used three to four times a day to clean the inside of the nose as it helps in preventing any infection.

4. Get Rest - In case of illnesses such as cold or flu, the patient should try to have some rest to help treat the condition fast.

5. Medications

• If a patient has itchy eyes, sneezing, and a running nose, they might have an allergy. For this, medication such as antihistamines can be given.

• Nasal steroid spray can be used to treat inflammation and excess fluid in the nose.

• Decongestant spray can be used to treat rhinorrhea. But it should not be used for more than two to three days as it can worsen the condition.

• Antibiotics can be used to treat any infection caused by bacteria.

6. Avoid Triggers - The patient should avoid known triggers that lead to a running nose.

In addition to these, patients can try some home remedies to treat this condition, such as -

• Applying a warm, moist cloth to the face several times a day.

• Inhaling steam two to three times a day.

• Using a vaporizer or humidifier.

What Are the Complications of a Running Nose?

In most cases, a running nose is a non-serious condition that can be managed easily. However, there are a few complications associated with it, such as -

• Infections - Rhinorrhea can be associated with a sinus infection, which has to be treated with antibiotics.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leakage - Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain, and the leakage of this fluid from the brain can occur after any trauma or sinus surgery. This leakage can cause a discharge from the nose along with other symptoms. In these cases, surgery has to be done to treat the leakage.

Conclusion:

Rhinorrhea is a very common condition that can have multiple causes. It is usually non-serious and is generally associated with colds, flu, or allergies. It may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the reason behind it as it has various causative factors. Therefore, a patient should always consult the doctor if they find their condition is getting worse.