Nasal discharge

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Runny and stuffy nose

Throat anatomy

Runny nose; Postnasal drip; Rhinorrhea

Keep the mucus thin rather than thick and sticky. This helps prevent complications, such as ear and sinus infections, and plugging of your nasal passages. To thin the mucus:

• Use saline nasal sprays.
• Drink extra fluids.
• Increase the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier.

Antihistamines may reduce the amount of mucus. Be careful, because some antihistamines may make you drowsy. Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more frequently than 3 days on and 3 days off, unless ordered by the doctor.

OVERUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS

Many people think that a green or yellow nasal discharge means a bacterial infection, which requires antibiotics. This is NOT true. Colds will often begin with a clear nasal discharge, but after several days it usually turns creamy yellow or green. Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not help. A green or yellow nasal discharge is not a sign you need antibiotics.

• A nasal discharge follows a head injury.
• The drainage is foul smelling, one-sided, or a color other than white or yellow.
• Symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks.
• There is fever along with nasal discharge.

Your doctor may perform a physical examination, including an examination of the ears, nose, and throat.

Your doctor may ask medical history questions, such as:

• Is the discharge thin and watery or is it thick?
• Is it bloody?
• What color is it?
• How long has the nasal discharge been present?
• Is it present all the time?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is your nose stuffy or congested?
• Do you have a cough or headache?
• Do you have a sore throat?
• Do you have a fever?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed for persistent problems include:

• CT scan of the head
• X-rays of the skull and sinuses

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.