rhinorrhea

Rhinorrhea is the medical term for nasal discharge from the nose. It describes watery, mucoid, or sometimes purulent drainage that may be clear or colored. Rhinorrhea is a common feature of rhinitis and can occur with infections, allergies, irritant exposure, or as a nonspecific inflammatory response. The discharge may be serous (thin and clear) or mucopurulent, and it can become purulent if a secondary bacterial infection develops. It is often accompanied by sneezing and nasal congestion, and may be followed by postnasal drip.

Common causes include viral upper respiratory infections such as the common cold; allergic rhinitis; nonallergic rhinitis (vasomotor or irritant-induced); chronic rhinosinusitis; and hormonal or medication-related rhinitis. Structural nasal disease and overuse of topical decongestants can contribute. Certain medications may cause or worsen rhinorrhea.

Evaluation relies on history and examination. Nasal endoscopy or imaging is considered if symptoms are chronic, unilateral, or associated with facial pain, fever, or suspected sinusitis or nasal polyps. Allergy testing can help identify triggers in persistent cases. Red flags include high fever, unilateral persistent discharge, severe facial pain, neurologic signs, or signs of orbital or intracranial complications.

Management focuses on the underlying cause and symptom relief. Saline nasal irrigation is commonly recommended. Intranasal corticosteroids help with inflammatory or allergic rhinitis; intranasal ipratropium reduces rhinorrhea; oral antihistamines can help with allergic symptoms. Avoid irritants and excessive decongestant use. Bacterial sinusitis may require antibiotics according to guidelines, and chronic rhinitis or polyps may require specialist evaluation.

Prognosis varies; most acute rhinorrhea resolves with standard care, while chronic rhinitis persists beyond 12 weeks and often requires long-term management.