I thought it was a runny nose... but it's fluid flowing from the brain.

I thought it was a runny nose, but it was flowing down from the brain.

Liquid? In such cases, you must go to the hospital.

 

Runny nose is a health indicator.

 

Many rhinitis patients consider a runny nose to be nothing serious, but there are times when you should never ignore it and need to visit a hospital.

 

Professor Manjun Park of Inha University Hospital's ENT Department participated in the '2nd Nose Day' held by the Korean Rhinologic Society in April this year.

 

At the commemorative event, it was said, "If you continue to have a runny nose from only one nostril, it is essential to visit a hospital," and "Although rare, it could be cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea caused by tumors or tissue defects in the nasal septum."

 

 

 

Cerebrospinal fluid refers to the clear liquid that surrounds and flows around the brain and spinal cord.

 

Protect the brain and spinal cord from external shocks

It plays a role in providing nutrition.

 

If you hit your head hard in a traffic accident or have a condition such as a pituitary tumor that causes tissue loss near the base of the brain (the underside of the cerebrum), cerebrospinal fluid can leak out here and flow down the nose. This is because the nose is located below the brain.

 

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is a clear, non-viscous nasal discharge.

The main symptom is the liquid flowing out of one nostril.

 

Since the nose is connected to the mouth, you may feel a slight bitter or salty taste in your mouth.

 

When coughing, sneezing, or tilting the head forward increases intracranial pressure, the amount of cerebrospinal fluid leaking out can become particularly large.

 

Mild headaches may also accompany it.

 

Cerebrospinal fluid is difficult to distinguish from clear nasal discharge that flows out during the early stages of allergic rhinitis, so it is best to go to the hospital for a diagnosis.

 

Normal cerebrospinal fluid is known to have a glucose level of 50 to 80 mg/dL, so the hospital collects the suspected cerebrospinal fluid for blood sugar testing.

 

If the glucose level is 30 mg/dL or higher, it is diagnosed as cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Sometimes, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is necessary to accurately identify the site of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

 

 

 

If the defect in the site of cerebrospinal fluid leakage is minor,

Non-surgical treatment can be attempted for natural healing. However, hospitalization may be necessary.

 

Because the patient must lie in bed with their head elevated at 10 to 15 degrees, remaining absolutely still to prevent an increase in intracranial pressure.

 

Coughing, sneezing, and runny nose may worsen.

Any action that exists is strictly prohibited.

If the defect area is large, surgical reconstruction of the defect may be necessary. Inserting an endoscope into the nasal cavity

It is performed by completely suturing the defect area.

 

If cerebrospinal fluid leakage is left untreated, it can affect the brain and spinal cord.

Complications such as meningitis, which involves inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can occur.

 

A patient with persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea symptoms

There are reports that the probability of contracting meningitis is 19%. If you suspect it, you must visit a hospital and receive treatment.

 

Meanwhile, there are various other diseases that can be estimated by observing nasal discharge. If the nasal discharge is clear and transparent when blown, it may indicate the early stages of a cold or allergic rhinitis.

If nasal discharge is fluorescent or greenish in color and has an unpleasant odor, it is highly likely to be acute or chronic sinusitis.

 

If you develop gum disease or experience increased nasal discharge after receiving an implant procedure, you may suspect odontogenic sinusitis.

 

The inflammation near the upper molars has spread to the sinuses. It often involves fungi or other pathogens, which can cause an unpleasant odor.

 

Additionally, if you have a lot of nasal mucus when eating, you may suspect vasomotor rhinitis, and if you experience sneezing and nasal mucus when exposed to cold environments or dust, you may suspect allergic rhinitis.