Rhinorrhoea
What is Rhinorrhoea?
Rhinorrhoea, commonly known as a runny nose, is a symptom of nasal discomfort that is caused by the inflammation of the nose and sinus passages. It's characterized by an excessive and often continuous discharge of clear, watery mucus from the nasal cavity. This discharge is caused by an excess production of mucus, which is created to combat potential irritants and other airborne allergens.
Rhinorrhoea is usually a sign of an underlying condition or disease. The most common causes are allergies, infections (such as the common cold), environmental irritants, and sinusitis. However, it can also be the result of structural problems with the nose itself, such as a deviated septum.
Symptoms of Rhinorrhoea:
- Excess mucus production
- Clear, watery, continuous nasal discharge
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Itching in the nose and throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
Causes of Rhinorrhoea:
- Allergies
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Environmental irritants
- Structural problems of the nose
- Sinusitis
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side-effects
Treatment for Rhinorrhoea:
Rhinorrhoea is usually treated with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants. However, if the cause is an underlying health problem such as allergies or sinusitis, then more targeted treatments may be required, such as antibiotics or steroids. Surgery may be required for some people with structural problems of the nose.