Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
The medical term rhinorrhea means a thin, mostly clear fluid running from the nose – a runny nose.
The medical term rhinitis means inflammation or swelling inside the nose.
Rhinitis is the usual cause of rhinorrhea, but may sometimes feel congested, stuffy or blocked due to the inflammatory swelling of the nasal membranes.
You do not need to use words like rhinitis or rhinorrhea with your patients, but they may use them if they have seen their doctor.
Sometimes there may be pain in the nasal and sinus area because of the inflammation and collection of mucous.
Sometimes a secondary bacterial infection can occur which may cause the mucous to change from clear to yellow or green.
