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Nasal Discharge
Alternate Names : Postnasal Drip, Rhinorrhea, Runny Nose
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Nasal Discharge: Home Care & Treatment
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 also helps to thin nasal secretions.
- Increase the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier to help thin or liquefy the mucus.
Antihistamines may reduce the amount of mucus. Be careful, because some antihistamines make people 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 for a time. Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not help. A green or nasal discharge is not a sign you need antibiotics.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Nasal Discharge: Overview & Considerations
• Nasal Discharge: Common Causes
• Nasal Discharge: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Common Cold
• Otitis
• Sinusitis
• The Flu
Tests & Exams
• Cranial CT Scan
• Skull X-Ray
Other Topics
• Cough
• Head Injury
• Headache
• Physical Examination
• Sore Throat
Review Date : 2/3/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/3/2002).
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