Nasal discharge Health Article

Definition

Nasal discharge is any mucus-like material that comes out of the nose.

Alternative Names

Runny nose; Postnasal drip; Rhinorrhea

Considerations

Nasal discharge is common, but rarely serious. Drainage from swollen or infected sinuses may be thick or discolored.

Excess mucus may run down the back of your throat (postnasal drip) or cause a cough that is usually worse at night. A sore throat may also result from too much mucus drainage.

The mucus drainage may plug up the eustachian tube between the nose and the ear, causing an ear infection and pain. The mucus drip may also plug the sinus passages, causing sinus infection and pain.

Common Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Colds
• Flu
• Hay fever
• Head injury
• Nasal sprays
• Sinusitis
• Small objects in the nostril (especially in children)

Home Care

Keep the mucus thin rather than thick and sticky. This helps prevent complications, such as ear and sinus infections, and plugging of your nasal passages. To thin the mucus:

• Drink extra fluids.
• Increase the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier.
• Use saline nasal sprays.

Antihistamines may reduce the amount of mucus. Be careful, because some antihistamines may make you drowsy. Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more often than 3 days on and 3 days off, unless told to by your doctor.

OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS

Many people think that a green or yellow nasal discharge means a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics. This is NOT true. Colds will often begin with a clear nasal discharge, but after several days it usually turns creamy yellow or green. Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not help. A green or yellow nasal discharge is not a sign that you need antibiotics.

Call your health care provider if

• Drainage is foul smelling, one-sided, or a color other than white or yellow
• Nasal discharge follows a head injury
• Symptoms last more than 3 weeks
• There is fever with nasal discharge