Nasal discharge

• the common cold (be aware that nasal secretions contain antibodies , which act against the viruses, and that nasal discharge carries the virus out of the body)
• allergies , allergic rhinitis , or hay fever (nasal secretions are usually clear and very thin) (See information on Allergy to mold, dander, dust )
• sinusitis (the nasal secretions may be thick and discolored yellow, brown, or green)
• head injury
• bacterial infections (may cause a foul-smelling discharge which is often rusty or green in color)
• small objects in the nostril (especially in children)
• nasal sprays or drops containing vasoconstrictors may cause rebound rhinorrhea if used longer than 3 consecutive days

Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as location, quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

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 Healthcare 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:
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.


A cross-section illustration of the mouth, nasal cavity, and throat. The nasal passages are also visible.