Rhinorrhea Definition, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Rhinorrhea?

Rhinorrhea definition is A runny nose, runny nose or, informally, a runny nose is a free discharge of thin mucous fluid from the nose. It is a common condition. This is a common symptom of allergies (hay fever) or some viral infections such as the common cold or COVID-19.

It can be a side effect of crying, exposure to cold temperatures, cocaine abuse, or withdrawal symptoms such as from methadone or other opiates.

Rhinorrhea is not usually treated, but there are a number of treatments and prevention techniques.

Signs and Symptoms of Rhinorrhea:

A runny nose is characterized by an excessive amount of mucus produced by the mucous membranes that line the nasal cavities. The membranes produce mucus faster than it can be processed, causing mucus to back up in the nasal passages.

As the cavity fills, it blocks the passage of air, causing difficulty in breathing through the nose. Air trapped in the nasal cavities, especially the sinuses, cannot be released, and the resulting pressure can cause headaches or facial pain.

If the sinus passage remains blocked, there is a chance that sinusitis may occur. If mucus backs up through the Eustachian tube, it can result in an earache or ear infection.

Excessive mucus buildup in the throat or back of the nose can cause a runny nose, resulting in a sore throat or cough. Other symptoms include sneezing, nosebleeds, and nasal discharge.

Causes of Rhinorrhea:

The Mayo Clinic says a runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues, including infections like colds and flu, and allergies and various irritants.

Some people have chronic rhinitis with no apparent cause (non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis). Less common causes include polyps, a foreign body, a tumor, or migraine-like headaches.

Causes listed below and discussed are:

• Acute sinusitis (infection of the nasal passages and sinuses)

• Allergies Chronic sinusitis

• Churg-Strauss syndrome

• The common cold

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• Overuse of nasal spray decongestants

• Deviated septum

• Dry air

• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis)

• Hormonal changes

• Flu

• A lodged object

• Medications (eg, to treat high blood pressure)

• Erectile dysfunction

• Depression

• Seizures and other conditions

• Nasal polyps

• Non-allergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing non-allergy related)

• Occupational asthma

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• Spinal fluid leakage and

• Tobacco smoke.

Therapy of Rhinorrhea:

In most cases, rhinorrhea does not require treatment as it resolves on its own – especially if it is a sign of infection. For general cases, blowing the nose can get rid of mucus build-up.

While blowing may be a quick fix, it would likely proliferate mucus production in the sinuses, leading to frequent and higher mucus build-up in the nose.

Alternatively, saline nasal sprays and vasoconstrictor nasal sprays can also be used, but these can become counterproductive and cause rhinitis medicamentosa after a few days of use.

In recurring cases, such as allergies, treatments are available. For cases caused by histamine build-up, several types of antihistamines can be obtained relatively cheaply from drugstores.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more details.