What nasal symptom is reported?

The reported nasal symptom of a runny nose, commonly referred to as rhinorrhea, is characterized by an increased production of mucus in the nasal cavity, leading to discharge from the nostrils. This symptom is often associated with various conditions, such as allergies, viral infections, or sinusitis.

A runny nose can indicate inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosa, and it is frequently one of the first signs of an upper respiratory tract infection or an allergic reaction. This symptom can significantly affect a patient's comfort and daily functioning, making it an important aspect of a health assessment.

While symptoms like congestion, post-nasal drip, and sneezing are also common nasal complaints, they describe different phenomena. Congestion involves the sensation of fullness or blockage in the nasal passages, post-nasal drip refers to mucus dripping down the back of the throat from the nasal cavity, and sneezing is a reflex action that often occurs as a response to irritation in the nasal mucosa, but these do not specifically indicate excess nasal discharge. Thus, the correct identification of a runny nose provides valuable information about the underlying cause of nasal symptoms and guides appropriate management.