Rhinorrhea is nasal drainage that occurs when the lining inside the nose becomes inflamed. The discharge may be clear, yellow, or tinged with blood, and it often happens along with sneezing or nasal congestion.
Rhinorrhea, commonly known as a runny nose, most often occurs with allergic rhinitis but can also result from viral or bacterial respiratory infections. If left untreated, it may increase the risk of complications such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or even pneumonia. While home remedies can help ease congestion, the best treatment depends on the underlying cause.
A helpful natural option for rhinorrhea is orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Another important home remedy is nasal irrigation with saline solution, which can help clear the nasal passages.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of rhinorrhea are:
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Clear, yellow, green, or blood-tinged discharge from the nose;
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Headache or facial pressure;
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Constant sneezing;
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Cough, which may get worse at night.
Symptoms usually depend on the underlying cause and should be evaluated by your primary care provider or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Possible causes
The main causes of rhinorrhea are:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the lining inside the nose, usually triggered by dust, pollen, or weather changes.
Rhinorrhea from allergic rhinitis is typically clear and often happens along with sneezing, an itchy nose, and nasal congestion.
What to do: Allergic rhinitis can be controlled with allergy medications, but it's also important to avoid exposure to substances that trigger symptoms.
If your symptoms occur often, it’s a good idea to see an allergist. They can recommend more targeted treatment to help prevent flare-ups and complications like ear infections, sinusitis, or sleep problems.
2. Viral infection
A viral respiratory infection can also cause clear rhinorrhea. It may come along with other cold or flu symptoms such as headache, muscle aches, feeling unwell, and fever.
What to do: In these situations, getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your body fight off the virus more quickly and promote recovery.
3. Bacterial infection
With a bacterial respiratory infection, nasal discharge may appear yellow or green and can suggest bacterial rhinosinusitis. Other possible symptoms include cough, high fever, and a feeling of pain or pressure in the head.
What to do: As with rhinorrhea caused by a viral infection, it’s recommended to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a healthy diet to support recovery.
In some cases, antibiotics may also be needed, and they should be taken exactly as recommended by your healthcare provider.
If rhinorrhea is constant, it’s important to see an allergist or a primary care provider so the cause can be identified and treatment can be started.
Can rhinorrhea be a symptom of COVID-19?
Rhinorrhea can occur in some cases of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID symptoms can include congestion or a runny nose, along with symptoms such as headache, fatigue, cough, and fever.
However, rhinorrhea on its own can also be caused by allergic rhinitis, for example.
Treatment options
Rhinorrhea is usually treated with medications that reduce inflammation and irritation of the nasal lining, which helps relieve symptoms. In many cases, medications used for allergy and cold/flu symptom relief may be recommended, such as antihistamines and fever reducers.
According to the CDC, handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, including respiratory viruses, which supports hygiene measures when rhinorrhea is linked to respiratory infections. It's also important to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places and regularly clean your nose to help clear the nasal passages and remove the underlying irritant.