Rhinorrhea – colloquially called runny nose – (synonyms: Runny nose. Runny nose; J34.8: Other specified diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses) is characterized by a profuse secretion of thin to mucopurulent nasal secretions.
The nasal secretion consists of a mixture of various secretions (from goblet cells and seromucous glands) and other fluids (mucosal tissue fluid, portions of lacrimal fluid, transudation of serum or blood plasma).
Rhinorrhea may be unilateral or bilateral.
The following forms of rhinorrhea are distinguished:
- Serous (“secreting protein-rich fluid”) rhinorrhea.
- Purulent rhinorrhea
- Fetid (putrid, over-smelling) rhinorrhea
- Hemorrhagic (bloody) rhinorrhea
Special forms of rhinorrhea are:
- Gustatory rhinorrhea – appearance of a watery runny nose after eating.
- Cerebrospinal rhinorrhea – occurrence of watery or bloody rhinorrhea after traumatic brain injury (TBI); note: enhancement if jugular veins are congested
Rhinorrhea can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: The course and prognosis depend on the cause of the disease.Any chronic (permanently present) rhinorrhea, as well as any acute purulent, fetid or hemorrhagic rhinorrhea require medical evaluation.
