Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of rhinorrhea (runny nose). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working substances in your profession? Current medical history/systemic … Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea): Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Common cold (common cold) Endocrine rhinitis – for example, during hormonal changes in pregnancy or when taking hormonal drugs during menopause. Hyperreflective rhinitis – triggered by disturbed function of the autonomic nervous system. Idiopathic rhinitis – rhinitis with unknown cause. Upper respiratory tract infection Polyps – mucosal growths … Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Palpation (palpation) of the nerve pressure points. ENT medical examination including anterior and posterior rhinoscopy (reflection … Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein) Allergy tests – e.g., epicutaneous test (in this test, a patch is applied to the patient’s skin containing various allergens; … Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Freedom from symptoms Therapy recommendations Therapy recommendations are based on the cause of the disease (see there) Serous rhinorrhea of the elderly: Topical glucocorticoids (for symptom improvement). Ipratropium bromide (parasympatholytic); for inhalation 3-4/d.
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. X-ray of the paranasal sinuses (NNH). Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (NNH-CT; sectional imaging procedure (X-ray images taken from different directions with computer-based evaluation)).
The following symptoms and complaints may occur along with rhinorrhea (runny nose): Leading symptom Rhinorrhea (runny nose). Associated symptoms Blocked nose Fever Sneezing Warning signs (red flags) Anamnestic information: State after traumatic brain injury (TBI) + occurrence of watery or bloody rhinorrhea → think of: cerebrospinal rhinorrhea. Chronic use of decongestant nasal drops → think … Runny Nose (Rhinorrhea): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
