What is the medical term for a runny nose?

• A. Trismus
• B. Rhinorrhea
• C. Dyspnea
• D. Bradypnea

Answer: (B)

The term for a runny nose is rhinorrhea. This term is derived from the Greek words 'rhino', meaning nose, and 'rhea', meaning flow or discharge. Rhinorrhea specifically describes the condition where there is an excessive amount of mucus discharge from the nasal passages, which is a common symptom associated with various conditions such as colds, allergies, and sinus infections.

In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different medical conditions. Trismus refers to the restriction of the jaw due to muscle spasms, often related to dental or neurological issues. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficulty in breathing, while bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate. These terms are unrelated to nasal discharge, underscoring the accuracy of rhinorrhea as the correct answer for a runny nose.