Nasal discharge

Alternative names:

postnasal drip; rhinorrhea; runny nose

Home care:

Increasing the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier helps thin or liquefy the mucus. Heated air inside a house is usually very dry; cooler air contains more moisture and is preferable.

Keeping the mucus thin (rather than thick and sticky) will help prevent complications such as ear and sinus infections and will help prevent plugging of the nasal passages.

Drinking extra fluids also helps to thin nasal secretions.

Because of the complications of medications, runny noses should be treated only when the discomfort is moderate to extreme.

Antihistamines (to block allergic reactions and decrease the amount of secretion), decongestants (to shrink the mucus membranes), analgesics, or antipyretics can provide some relief.

Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more frequently than 3 days on and 3 days off unless ordered by the doctor.

Call your health care provider if:

• a nasal discharge follows a head injury.
• the drainage is foul smelling, one-sided, or a color other than white or yellow.
• symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting nasal discharge in detail may include:

• quality
  • Is the discharge thin and watery or is it thick?
  • Is it bloody?
  • What color is it?

• time pattern
  • How long has the nasal discharge been present?
  • Is it present all the time?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is the nose stuffy or congested?
  • Is there a loss of smell?
  • Is there a cough or headache?
  • Is there a sore throat?

An examination of the ears, nose, and throat will be performed. Often, a swab of the nasal secretions will be obtained and examined under a microscope.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed for persistent problems include:

• CT scan of the head
• transillumination of maxillary and frontal sinuses (a light is placed against the skull, which can show fluid accumulations)
• X-rays of the skull and sinus

Intervention:
For allergic rhinitis, antihistamines may be prescribed. Antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to nasal discharge, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.