Postnasal drip
Key points
- Nasal discharge is any mucus-like material that comes out of the nose.
- Drainage from inflamed or infected sinuses may be thick or discolored.
- This helps prevent complications, such as ear and sinus infections, and plugging of your nasal passages.
- What to expect at your health care provider's office Your doctor may perform a physical examination, including an examination of the ears, nose, and throat.
Alternative names
Runny nose; Nasal discharge; Rhinorrhea
Definition
Nasal discharge is any mucus-like material that comes out of the nose.
Considerations
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 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.
Common Causes
- The common cold or the flu - nasal secretions contain antibodies that act against viruses and carry them out of the body
- Hay fever - nasal secretions are usually clear and very thin
- Sinusitis - the nasal secretions may be thick and discolored yellow, brown, or green
- Head injury
- Bacterial infections
- Small objects in the nostril (especially in children)
- Nasal sprays (drops containing vasoconstrictors may cause rebound rhinorrhea, if used longer than 3 consecutive days)
Home Care
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.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.