Millions of Brits dismissing a persistent runny nose as just another cold might be ignoring a potentially dangerous medical emergency, health experts have revealed.
Doctors are issuing an urgent warning about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks - a condition where the fluid surrounding the brain accidentally escapes through the nose, often masquerading as common allergies or seasonal sniffles.
The Tell-Tale Sign Most People Miss
According to medical specialists, the key difference lies in the consistency and behaviour of the discharge. While typical colds produce mucus that's often thick and coloured, CSF fluid is consistently thin, clear and watery.
The crucial identifier? The drainage typically occurs from only one nostril and may noticeably increase when you lean forward or strain.
Why This Misdiagnosis Could Be Dangerous
"When patients come in convinced they have endless allergies or a cold that won't quit, we now know to ask more questions," explains an NHS ENT specialist. "A CSF leak isn't just uncomfortable - it leaves the brain vulnerable to infections like meningitis."
Many sufferers report experiencing additional warning signs including:
- Persistent headaches that worsen when upright
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Heightened sensitivity to light and sound
- Neck stiffness or discomfort
Real Stories: When 'Just a Cold' Was Something More
Patients like Sarah Jennings, 42 from Manchester, spent months convinced she was battling a stubborn sinus infection. "I went through boxes of tissues, never imagining it could be brain fluid," she shares. "The diagnosis was terrifying, but treatment changed everything."
Another patient reported: "I'd wake up with my pillow soaked through. Doctors kept prescribing antihistamines until one finally ordered the right tests."
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Medical professionals advise consulting your GP if you experience:
- Clear, watery nasal discharge from one side that continues for weeks
- Drainage that significantly increases when bending forward
- Headaches that improve when lying down
- Any combination of these symptoms following head trauma
"The message is simple," doctors stress. "If your 'cold' behaves differently from any you've had before, particularly if it's one-sided and positional, insist on further investigation. Early detection prevents serious complications."
