Nasal discharge

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Runny and stuffy nose

Throat anatomy

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

Runny nose; Postnasal drip; Rhinorrhea

Nasal discharges are common, but rarely serious. Drainage from inflamed or infected sinuses may be thick or discolored.

Excess mucus production 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 excessive 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.

• Colds
• Flu
• Hay fever -- nasal discharge is usually clear and very thin
• Sinusitis -- the nasal discharge may be thick and discolored yellow, brown, or green
• Head injury
• Bacterial infections
• Small objects in the nostril (especially in children)
• Nasal sprays -- using drops containing vasoconstrictors for more than 3 days in a row may cause nasal discharge to come back

Review Date: 04/28/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.