Dealing with a runny nose can be very annoying and uncomfortable, but it will usually clear up on its own within a few days to a week. However, in certain circumstances, a runny nose might be something to worry about. Here are some important terms you should be familiar with to help gauge whether your runny nose is something to be concerned about and help you find a runny nose remedy.
- Rhinorrhea: This is a medical term that is used to refer to a runny nose. More specifically, though, rhinorrhea describes thin, relatively clear nasal discharge.
- Rhinitis: This is another medical term that is often used interchangeably with rhinorrhea to refer to a runny nose. However, rhinitis specifically describes a runny nose that is the result of inflammation in the nasal tissue, which can occur for a number of reasons.
- Drainage: Any sort of drainage from your nose is classified as a runny nose. However, drainage is a broad term that could refer to a wide range of substances. Drainage from your nasal passages could include clear fluid or thick mucus.
- Mucus: Mucus is a slimy substance that is secreted by mucous membranes for lubrication and protection. When your body is fighting off an infection or foreign body, it produces more mucus than normal. If mucus being secreted by your nose is very thick and green or yellow in color, this could indicate a bacterial infection, especially if it is accompanied by sinus pain or fever.
- Nasal discharge: Nasal discharge that is thin and clear normally occurs with a runny nose. If you suffer a head injury and experience nasal discharge that is bloody, persistent, or clear, you should be checked out by a doctor right away.
- Nasal congestion: Often, a runny nose is accompanied by nasal congestion, which is more commonly known as a “stuffy nose.” Nasal congestion occurs when your nasal tissues and blood vessels become saturated and swollen with excess fluid, which creates the stuffy feeling.
- Irritants: Being exposed to common irritants such as cigarette smoke, spicy foods, or sudden changes in temperature can cause or worsen the symptoms of a runny nose.
- Allergens: One of the most common causes of a runny nose is allergies. The most common allergens that cause runny nose are ragweed pollen, mold, milk, peanuts, pet dander, dust mites, and soy.
- Vasomotor rhinitis (VMR): Some people have a chronically runny nose that seems to have no apparent cause whatsoever. This is a condition called vasomotor rhinitis or nonallergic rhinitis. This condition is much more common in children than adults.
- Post nasal drip (PND): Also known as post nasal drip syndrome, PND occurs when there is so much excess mucus being produced that it begins to accumulate in the back of the nose and the throat. This condition can be caused by many different factors and can lead to severe irritation in the throat.
