What are the causes of sneezing and nasal discharge?
Although these two clinical signs may not always appear together, both are associated with disorders affecting the nasal cavity and/or nasal sinuses. While occasional sneezing is perfectly normal, repeated bouts of vigorous sneezing may indicate irritation of the nasal cavity caused by foreign bodies, viruses, air-borne irritants or rarely, nasal mites. Nasal discharge may be caused by a number of different conditions. These include infection of the nasal cavity or nasal sinuses by viral, fungal and bacterial agents, masses such as polyps or tumors, inflammation caused by foreign bodies or allergies, irritation caused by nasal mites, and conditions extending from the mouth, such as abscessed tooth roots or oral tumors. Occasionally, nasal discharge may be associated with diseases that are located deeper within the airways.
