RHINORRHEA

Overview & Facts

Rhinorrhea  or commonly known as a runny nose, is a condition where the nasal cavity is filled with a significant amount of mucus fluid.

It occurs relatively frequently and may caused by:

  • Cold temperature- Cold-induced rhinorrhea occurs due to a combination of thermodynamics and the body’s natural reactions to cold weather stimuli. During cold, dry seasons, mucous membranes must work harder producing more mucus to keep the cavity lined.
  • Infection- Rhinorrhea can be a symptom of other diseases, such as the common cold or influenza. The nasal mucous membranes produce excess mucus, filling the nasal cavities to prevent infection from spreading to the lungs and respiratory tract.
  • Allergies- When individuals with allergies to certain substances (such as pollen, dust, latex, soy, shellfish, or animal dander) are exposed to these allergens, it triggers mucus production.
  • Lacrimation- Rhinorrhea can be a side effect of crying.
  • Head trauma- If caused by a head injury, rhinorrhea can be a much more serious condition. A basilar skull fracture can result in a rupture of the barrier between the sinonasal cavity and the anterior cranial fossae or the middle cranial fossae. This rupture can cause the nasal cavity to fill with cerebrospinal fluid.

Other causes may include:

  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Whooping Cough
  • Nasal Tumors
  • Hormonal Changes, and
  • Cluster Headaches

Types & Symptoms

In rhinorrhea, the membranes create mucus faster than it can be processed, causing a backup of mucus in the nasal cavities. As the cavity fills up, it blocks off the air passageway, causing difficulty breathing through the nose.

The following may happen and result to symptoms:

  • When air caught in nasal cavities, namely the sinus cavities, cannot be released and the resulting pressure may cause a headache or facial pain.
  • If the sinus passage remains blocked, there is a chance that sinusitis may result.
  • If the mucus backs up through the Eustachian tube, it may result in ear pain or an ear infection.
  • Excess mucus accumulating in the throat or back of the nose may cause a post-nasal drip, resulting in a sore throat or coughing
  • Additional symptoms include sneezing, nosebleeds, and nasal discharge.

Diagnosis & Medications

Treatment

Rhinorrhea, in most cases, do not need treatment since it will clear up on its own, especially if it is the symptom of an infection. For general cases blowing your nose can get rid of the mucus buildup. Though blowing may be a quick-fix solution, it would likely proliferate mucosal production in the sinuses, leading to frequent and higher mucus buildups in the nose. Alternatively, Saline nasal sprays and Vasoconstrictor nasal sprays may also be used. However, they may become counterproductive after several days of use, causing rhinitis medicamentosa.

Recurring cases due to allergies or by histamine buildup are treated by medicines called antihistamines

People who prefer to keep clear nasal passages, such as singers, who need a clear nasal passage to perform, may use a technique called “nasal irrigation” to prevent rhinorrhea. Nasal irrigation involves rinsing the nasal cavity regularly with salty water or store bought saline solutions.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]