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Intro edit
Rhinorrhea, rhinorrhoea, or informally runny nose is the free discharge of a thin
The term rhinorrhea was coined in 1866 from the Greek rhino- ("of the nose") and -rhoia ("discharge" or "flow").
Causes edit
A runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues, including infections such as the common cold and influenza, and allergies and various irritants. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason (non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis). Less common causes include polyps, a foreign body, a tumor or migraine-like headaches. Some causes of rhinorrhea include: acute sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection), allergies, chronic sinusitis, common cold, coronaviruses (COVID-19), decongestant nasal spray overuse, deviated septum, dry air, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, hormonal changes, influenza (flu), lodged object, medicines (such as those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions), nasal polyps, non-allergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies), occupational asthma, pregnancy, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), spinal fluid leak, and tobacco smoke.
Infection edit
Rhinorrhea can be a symptom of other diseases, such as the common cold or influenza. During these infections, the nasal mucous membranes produce excess mucus, filling the nasal cavities. This is to prevent infection from spreading to the lungs and respiratory tract, where it could cause far worse damage. It has also been suggested that viral rhinorrhea is a result of viral evolution whereby virus variants that increase nasal secretion are more resistant to the body’s normal immune defenses and are selected for. Rhinorrhea caused by these infections usually occur on circadian rhythms. Over the course of a viral infection, sinusitis (the inflammation of the nasal tissue) may occur, causing the mucous membranes to release more mucus. Acute sinusitis consists of the nasal passages swelling during a viral infection. Chronic sinusitis occurs when sinusitis continues for longer than three months.[2]
Allergies edit
Rhinorrhea can also occur when individuals with allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, latex, soy, shellfish, or animal dander, are exposed to these allergens. In people with sensitized immune systems, the inhalation of one of these substances triggers the production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells and basophils. IgE bound to mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, causing the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine. In the nasal cavities, these inflammatory mediators cause inflammation and swelling of the tissue, as well as increased mucus production. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can make the condition considerably worse.[3]
Other causes edit
Rhinorrhea can occur as a symptom of opioid withdrawal accompanied by
Treatment edit
In most cases, treatment for rhinorrhea is not necessary since it will clear up on its own, especially if it is the symptom of an infection. For general cases
In some cases, such as those due to allergies or sinus infections, there are medicinal treatments available. Several types of antihistamines can be obtained to treat cases caused by allergies; antibiotics may help in cases of bacterial sinus infections.[5]
References
- ^ "Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose)". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
- PMID 28722963, retrieved 2023-09-24
- ISSN 2095-882X.
- PMID 30252268, retrieved 2023-09-24
- ^ "Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose)". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
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