Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Rhinorrheais the medical term used to describe a runny nose. It refers to the discharge of thinmucusfluid from nasal tissues as a result of allergies, infections, cold temperatures, and certain drugs or irritants.
The treatment of rhinorrhea is usually not necessary since it will clear on its once the underlying condition is resolved. Even so, some cases may benefit from saline drops or nasal sprays that stop or slow the production of nasal mucus.
This article describes the symptoms and causes of rhinorrhea. It also discusses possible treatments for a runny nose and when it is time to see a healthcare provider.
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Symptoms of Rhinorrhea
Some of this mucus can run out of the nostrils, while some may back up into the nasal passages and block airflow. Both nostrils are involved in most cases.
When this happens, it can cause:
Causes of Rhinorrhea
Rhinorrhea occurs when themucous membranesof the nose are either inflamed or irritated. This can directly or indirectly affect mucus-producing cells called goblet cells.
Inflammationcan occur in response to an infection or allergies. When the nasal passages are affected, it can overstimulate goblet cells, causing them to produce more mucus than normal.
When exposed to irritants, goblet cells will produce more mucus to help clear the irritant. Certain drugs and environments can also activate goblet cells.
Some of the most common causes of rhinorrhea include:
There is also a condition calledvasomotor rhinitisin which a person develops nasal stuffiness and runny nose for no apparent reason. It sometimes occurs with intense exercise or hormonal changes such as pregnancy.
Severe head trauma can also cause fluids to leak from the membranes surrounding a brain into the nasal passages, causing a runny nose (typically in one nostril). Referred to as acerebrospinal fluid leak, the condition is very serious and can also cause headaches, nausea, and a loss of balance.
What Medications Can Cause a Runny Nose?
These medications include:
If you experience a persistent runny nose while taking any of these drugs, let your healthcare provider know. There may be other drugs you can be switched to that won’t cause this problem.
Certain recreational drugs, likecocaineandcrystal methamphetamine, also can cause rhinorrhea.
Are There Tests to Diagnose a Runny Nose?
Rhinorrhea is a symptom of an underlying condition like an allergy or infection. As such, the diagnosis would involve an investigation of possible underlying causes.
Based on a review of your medical history and a physical exam, your healthcare provider may order tests and procedures to narrow the possible causes, including:
How to Treat Rhinorrhea
Evenacute(sudden, severe) cases of rhinorrhea may benefit from at-home, over-the-counter (OTC), and prescription remedies. Consider these methods:
Warning to ParentsAlways consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before using over-the-counter medications in kids with a runny nose. Children under 2 should never be given cough & cold medicines as they may cause severe and potentially dangerous side effects due to their smaller size.
Warning to Parents
Always consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before using over-the-counter medications in kids with a runny nose. Children under 2 should never be given cough & cold medicines as they may cause severe and potentially dangerous side effects due to their smaller size.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider for rhinorrhea if you have:
Summary
Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, is very common and has many potential causes. Colds, flu, COVID-19, sinus infections, and allergies are among the most common explanations.
Rhinorrhea using clears on its own when the underlying cause is treated. In people with chronic rhinorrhea or acute symptoms, over-the-counter nasal drops or antihistamines may help.
Rhinorrhea is usually not serious. However, you should see a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or your runny nose is getting worse.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Liva GA, Karatzanis AD, Prokopakis EP.Review of rhinitis: classification, types, pathophysiology.J Clin Med.2021 Jul;10(14):3183. doi:10.3390/jcm10143183American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing.Cortez V, Schultz-Cherry S.The role of goblet cells in viral pathogenesis.FEBS J.2021 Dec;288(24):7060–72. doi:10.1111/febs.15731Jones MR, Shlobin NA, Dahdaleh NS.Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak: review and management algorithm.World Neurosurg. 2021;150:133-9. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.115UptoDate.Patient education: Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and cold?MedlinePlus.Stuffy or runny nose-adult.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Liva GA, Karatzanis AD, Prokopakis EP.Review of rhinitis: classification, types, pathophysiology.J Clin Med.2021 Jul;10(14):3183. doi:10.3390/jcm10143183American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing.Cortez V, Schultz-Cherry S.The role of goblet cells in viral pathogenesis.FEBS J.2021 Dec;288(24):7060–72. doi:10.1111/febs.15731Jones MR, Shlobin NA, Dahdaleh NS.Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak: review and management algorithm.World Neurosurg. 2021;150:133-9. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.115UptoDate.Patient education: Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and cold?MedlinePlus.Stuffy or runny nose-adult.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Liva GA, Karatzanis AD, Prokopakis EP.Review of rhinitis: classification, types, pathophysiology.J Clin Med.2021 Jul;10(14):3183. doi:10.3390/jcm10143183American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing.Cortez V, Schultz-Cherry S.The role of goblet cells in viral pathogenesis.FEBS J.2021 Dec;288(24):7060–72. doi:10.1111/febs.15731Jones MR, Shlobin NA, Dahdaleh NS.Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak: review and management algorithm.World Neurosurg. 2021;150:133-9. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.115UptoDate.Patient education: Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and cold?MedlinePlus.Stuffy or runny nose-adult.
Liva GA, Karatzanis AD, Prokopakis EP.Review of rhinitis: classification, types, pathophysiology.J Clin Med.2021 Jul;10(14):3183. doi:10.3390/jcm10143183
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing.
Cortez V, Schultz-Cherry S.The role of goblet cells in viral pathogenesis.FEBS J.2021 Dec;288(24):7060–72. doi:10.1111/febs.15731
Jones MR, Shlobin NA, Dahdaleh NS.Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak: review and management algorithm.World Neurosurg. 2021;150:133-9. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.115
UptoDate.Patient education: Nonallergic rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and cold?
MedlinePlus.Stuffy or runny nose-adult.
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