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Runny nose

DEFINITION


Runny nose is excess drainage, which may range from a clear fluid to thick mucus, produced by the nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels in the nose. The drainage of runny nose may run out of your nose or down the back of your throat or both.


The terms "rhinorrhea" and "rhinitis" are often used interchangeably to refer to a runny nose. Strictly speaking, rhinorrhea refers to a thin, relatively clear nasal discharge. Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal tissues from a number of causes, which usually results in a runny nose.


Nasal congestion may or may not accompany runny nose.




CAUSES


Runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as the common cold and influenza — allergies and various irritants may all cause a runny nose. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason — a condition called nonallergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR).


Less commonly, runny nose can be caused by polyps, a foreign body, a tumor or migraine-like headaches.


Causes of runny nose include:

  1. Acute sinusitis
  2. Bright lights
  3. Chronic sinusitis
  4. Churg-Strauss syndrome
  5. Cluster headache
  6. Cold temperature
  7. Common cold
  8. Decongestant nasal spray overuse
  9. Deviated septum
  10. Drug addiction
  11. Dry air
  12. Dust mite allergy
  13. Food allergy
  14. Hay fever
  15. Hormonal changes
  16. Influenza (flu)
  17. Latex allergy
  18. Lodged object
  19. Medications
  20. Milk allergy
  21. Mold allergy
  22. Nasal polyps
  23. Nonallergic rhinitis
  24. Occupational asthma
  25. Other infections
  26. Peanut allergy
  27. Perfume
  28. Pet allergy
  29. Pregnancy
  30. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  31. Shellfish allergy
  32. Soy allergy
  33. Spicy foods
  34. Spinal fluid leak
  35. Tobacco smoke
  36. Wegener’s granulomatosis
  37. Wheat allergy



WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR


A runny nose may be annoying and uncomfortable, but it usually clears up on its own. A runny nose or stuffy nose is usually just an annoyance. But it can be a sign of a more serious problem, and it may be serious in infants.


Call your doctor if:

  • Your symptoms last more than 10 days.

  • You have a high fever, particularly if it lasts more than three days.

  • Your nasal discharge is green and is accompanied by sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection.

  • You have asthma or emphysema, or you’re taking immune-suppressing medications.

  • You have blood in your nasal discharge or a persistent clear discharge after a head injury.


Call your child’s doctor if:

  • Your child is younger than 2 months and is running a fever.

  • Your baby’s runny nose or congestion causes trouble nursing or makes breathing difficult.


Self-care

Until you see your doctor, try these simple steps to relieve symptoms:

  • Sniffing and swallowing or gently blowing your nose.

  • If the runny nose is a persistent, watery discharge, particularly if accompanied by sneezing and itchy or watery eyes, your symptoms may be allergy-related and an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. Be sure to follow the label instructions exactly.

  • For babies and small children, use a soft rubber suction bulb to gently remove any secretions.


Try these measures to relieve postnasal drip — when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat:

  • Avoid common irritants such as cigarette smoke and sudden temperature changes.

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Use a humidifier.

  • Try nasal saline sprays or rinses.