Rhinorrhea

Excessive serous or mucous nasal discharge resulting from hypersecretion of the nasal mucosa.

Causes

• Infectious causes

  • Common cold

  • Influenza

  • COVID-19

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• Allergic causes

  • Pollen allergy

  • Pet dander

  • Dust mites

  • Other allergic rhinitis triggers

• Medication-related causes

  • Overuse of nasal sprays (rhinitis medicamentosa)

  • Antihypertensive medications

  • Antidepressants

  • Opioid withdrawal

• Environmental and irritant causes

  • Smoke exposure

  • Air pollution

  • Cold or dry air

  • Strong odors

  • Spicy foods

• Structural and local causes

  • Nasal polyps

  • Enlarged adenoids

  • Deviated nasal septum

  • Foreign body in the nasal passage

• Other causes

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

  • Vasomotor rhinitis

  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy-related rhinitis)