What is rhinorrhea commonly referred to as?

Rhinorrhea is commonly referred to as a "runny nose," which is characterized by an excess discharge of mucus from the nasal passages. This condition often occurs during colds, allergies, or infections and is typically associated with symptoms like sneezing and nasal obstruction. Understanding the term rhinorrhea as synonymous with a runny nose is important, as it helps in identifying the nature of nasal symptoms during patient assessments in an emergency room setting.

In contrast, sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses, which can have overlapping symptoms but is not the same as rhinorrhea. Nasal congestion involves the blockage or swelling of nasal passages, often a result of various conditions, while nasal obstruction refers specifically to any physical blockage that prevents airflow through the nostrils. These distinctions highlight the specific nature of rhinorrhea itself as a symptom rather than a condition or other related nasal issues.