Alternate Names: Runny nose; Postnasal drip; Rhinorrhea
Considerations: Rhinorrhea is common, but rarely serious. Nasal discharges can also include drainage from inflamed or infected sinuses, in which case it may be thicker or discolored.
Problems from the runny nose are the result of excess mucus. The mucus may cause a postnasal drip and cough that is usually worse at night. A sore throat may also result from excessive mucus drainage.
The mucus drip may plug up the Eustachian tube between the nose and the ear, causing an ear infection and pain. The mucus drip may also plug the sinus passages, causing secondary sinus infection and pain.
Be aware that decongestants make some children overly active, and that antihistamines may cause drowsiness as well as interfere with sleep.
Common Causes:
- the common cold (be aware that nasal secretions contain antibodies, which act against the viruses, and that nasal discharge carries the virus out of the body)
- allergies, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever (nasal secretions are usually clear and very thin) (See information on Allergy to mold, dander, dust)
- sinusitis (the nasal secretions may be thick and discolored yellow, brown, or green)
- head injury
- bacterial infections (may cause a foul-smelling discharge which is often rusty or green in color)
- small objects in the nostril (especially in children)
- nasal sprays or drops containing vasoconstrictors may cause rebound rhinorrhea if used longer than 3 consecutive days
Home Care: Increasing the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier helps thin or liquefy the mucus. Heated air inside a house is usually very dry; cooler air contains more moisture and is preferable.
Keeping the mucus thin (rather than thick and sticky) will help prevent complications such as ear and sinus infections and will help prevent plugging of the nasal passages.
Drinking extra fluids also helps to thin nasal secretions.
Because of the complications of medications, runny noses should be treated only when the discomfort is moderate to extreme.
Antihistamines (to block allergic reactions and decrease the amount of secretion), decongestants (to shrink the mucus membranes), analgesics, or antipyretics can provide some relief.
Don’t use over-the-counter nasal sprays more frequently than 3 days on and 3 days off unless ordered by the doctor.
Call If:
- a nasal discharge follows a head injury.
- the drainage is foul smelling, one-sided, or a color other than white or yellow.
- symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks.
What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting nasal discharge in detail may include:
- quality
- Is the discharge thin and watery or is it thick?
- Is it bloody?
- What color is it?
- time pattern
- How long has the nasal discharge been present?
- Is it present all the time?
- other
An examination of the ears, nose, and throat will be performed. Often, a swab of the nasal secretions will be obtained and examined under a microscope.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed for persistent problems include:Intervention:
For allergic rhinitis, antihistamines may be prescribed. Antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed.
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to nasal discharge, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
