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 | A runny nose, known medically as rhinorrhea, is a common symptom of nasal allergies. Often rhinorrhea is accompanied by other symptoms if caused by nasal allergies, such as itchy eyes and nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. Rhinorrhea may also be caused by non-allergic causes, such as the common cold, as well as by irritants such as cold air and eating spicy foods -- this form of rhinorrhea is called gustatory rhinitis. An unusual cause of rhinorrhea can be caused by a leak of brain fluid from a hole in the lining around the brain near the sinuses -- called CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) rhinorrhea. CSF rhinorrhea results in a "spurt" of thin, clear fluid coming out of the nose, particularly with positional changes (such as sitting up) or pressure changes (such as straining). A person with CSF rhinorrhea often goes years without a diagnosis, because symptoms are often blamed on nasal allergies -- but won't respond to typical allergy treatments. Allergists and ENT (ear-nose-throat) physicians are typically aware of this condition, and know how to test for it. Treatment usually involves a ENT or neurosurgeon localizing the leak and fixing it with a glue-like substance or patch of skin. | |
When a Runny Nose Isn't Allergies
It could be allergies caused by pollen or mold in the air, but when you only have a runny nose when outdoors, it is most likely because of vasomotor rhinitis, which is a type of nonallergic rhinitis caused by changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to strong odors and perfumes. Usually, a person with vasomotor rhinitis will have production of clear nasal discharge that may drain out of the front of the nose, down the back of the throat or result in nasal congestion.
| Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis is a medical condition of unknown cause, leading to symptoms very similar to allergic rhinitis, or hay-fever. Approximately half of people suffering from allergies also have a non-allergic component to their symptoms. Unlike allergies, which can be a seasonal problem, symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are typically year-round. Non-allergic rhinitis also tends to be more common as people age, whereas allergic rhinitis tends to affect children and young adults.
| Symptoms of Nasal Allergies
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is the most common chronic disease, affecting up to 30 percent of the population. It is the most common reason for chronic sinus and nose problems. Children and young adults are the most common age groups affected by this disease, although many older adults and elderly people also experience symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is defined as inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages due to seasonal and year-round allergens. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, and post nasal drip. Half of all people with allergic rhinitis also have a component of non-allergic rhinitis to their symptoms.
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