The term rhinorrhea indicates the situation commonly called "runny nose". It is an excessive loss of material (from liquid to clear thick mucus) from the nose to the outside or from the nose to the throat.
A cause it may be irritation or inflammation, for example associated with infections, allergies or irritants. It can also be associated with pregnancy, the cold, a deviated nasal septum, the presence of foreign bodies, overuse of nasal decongestants, to smoke, to headaches or, less often, polyps or tumors.
What kind of diseases can be associated with runny nose?
The following diseases may be associated with runny nose:
- Allergy to dust mites
- Food allergies
- Respiratory allergies
- Headache
- Dengue
- Cluster headache
- Wegener's granulomatosis
- Influence
- Otitis
- Nasal polyps
- Cold
- Rhinitis
- Churg-Strauss syndrome
- Sinusitis
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for runny nose?
The most appropriate remedy in the event of a runny nose is the identification of the cause at its base. In general it can be useful to avoid irritants such as those found in tobacco smoke and sudden temperature changes, drink heavily, use a humidifier or nasal washes and make use based spray saline.
If you have an allergic reaction, also antihistamine can help. In case of bacterial infection antibiotic could instead be necessary.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of runny nose?
In case of rhinorrhea, it is good to call your doctor if: the problem persists for more than 10 days, if you have a high fever, if the mucus is greenish, if you suffer from asthma or emphysema and in the case of head injury.
