Learn About Ailments | Runny Nose

Runny Nose

Runny nose, also known as Rhinorrhea (derived from the Greek 'rhinos' meaning 'nose' & rhoia' meaning 'flowing') is the excess discharge coming from the nasal passages. A runny nose (as well as a stuffy or blocked nose) is a symptom of the common cold or viral infection as well as allergies e.g. hay fever, dust etc. & influenza & sinus infections.

In This Article

Causes of runny nose	Symptoms of runny nose
Diagnosis of runny nose	Related terms

Causes of runny nose

A runny nose is caused by inflammation of the nasal passage lining and blood vessels, typically from a viral infection such as the common cold. Allergies and sinus infections are also commonly associated with a runny nose.

Less common causes include obstructions in the nose from a foreign body or problems with the septum (the dividing wall between nasal passages). Environmental factors such as pollution can cause a runny nose and in rare cases in can be a sign of a tumour.

Other causes of a runny nose include:

Cold weather
Sudden drop in temperature
Eating spicy food
Enlarged adenoids (small tissue that hangs from the back of the nasal cavity)
Tobacco smoke
Hormonal changes
Injury to the nose
Nasal polyps
Medications
Drug use (cocaine)
Cluster headaches

Symptoms of runny nose

The main symptom of a runny nose is a thin mucus out of the nasal passages (or running down the back of the throat). A runny nose can also be accompanied by:

Blocked nose
Sneezing
Red, sore eyes
Loss of smell
Breathing problems
Headache
Fatigue
Sinus pain

Diagnosis of runny nose

In most cases, a runny nose is mildly irritating and caused by something that doesn't require medical attention (such as a common cold). However, if symptoms are persistent then it could indicate a more serious underlying problem.

You should seek a medical opinion if:

Symptoms are present for ten days or more
You have a fever for more than three days
The discharge from your nose is green in colour and accompanied by sinus pain or fever as this can indicate a bacterial infection
You already suffer with asthma or emphysema
You have blood in your nasal discharge
Your child is under two months old and has a runny nose and fever

If your runny nose has been caused by a head injury then seek emergency medical attention.

Related terms

Cold
Stuffy nose
Cough
Sneeze
Congestion
Allergy
Dust
Hay fever
Pollen

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Reiki

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