What type of discharge does rhinorrhea pertain to?

Rhinorrhea pertains specifically to a thin, watery nasal discharge. This symptom often occurs in response to viral infections, such as the common cold or allergies, where the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed and produces increased mucus that is typically clear and watery. Conditions like sinusitis or other upper respiratory infections can also be associated with rhinorrhea, but the critical characteristic defining rhinorrhea is its thin and watery nature.

In contrast, thick mucus might be indicative of other types of nasal conditions or infections, bloody fluid suggests trauma, and a discharge filled with pus typically points to bacterial infections, making them distinct from rhinorrhea. Understanding these nuances in discharge characteristics is essential for accurate symptom recognition and diagnosis in clinical practice.