Rhinorrhea: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Rhinorrhea is the free, watery nasal discharge from one or both nares. Although rhinorrhea refers to a thin, mostly clear nasal discharge, this secretion may be a light, clear fluid, thick mucus, or something in between. The drainage may run out of your nose, down the back of your throat, or both. This condition occurs relatively frequently and may be recurrent or chronic. Synonyms are runny nose and nasal drip. Rhinorrhea can be seen in any age group and is generally self-limited, but it may indicate a more severe illness. Mild nasal discharge after a simple emotional moment to cerebrospinal fluid that can threaten life. Both paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities’ membranes secrete mucus regularly. Usually, the mucus is swallowed with saliva. However, the mucus starts dripping if its production increases. The rhinorrhea could be anterior or posterior. The discharge draining from the nares is called anterior rhinorrhea. The anterior nasal drip is generally associated with allergic or viral rhinitis. The phlegm dripping into the throat from the nose is referred to as posterior nasal drip (posterior rhinorrhea). Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea can be classified based on etiology, anatomical location, age of the patient, timing of the diagnosis, type and extent of skull defect, duration of symptomatology, and the possible timing and type of repair to be undertaken. The causes of CSF rhinorrhea can also be classified as spontaneous or non-spontaneous. Approximately 80–90% of all cases of CSF rhinorrhea are caused by head injuries. The most frequently used type of classification is traumatic or non-traumatic.