In Nanjing, a woman suffered six years of watery nasal discharge, misdiagnosed as rhinitis. It was actually cerebrospinal fluid leakage from old trauma and nasal surgery—successfully repaired surgically.

Social Context

CSF rhinorrhea is underdiagnosed in China due to symptom overlap with common colds and allergies. The ‘National Neuro-Otology Diagnostic Guidelines’ now mandate beta-2 transferrin testing for persistent unilateral rhinorrhea, with provincial hospitals establishing dedicated CSF leak clinics to reduce diagnostic delays.

Safety Tip

Seek neuro-otology evaluation for persistent, unilateral, clear nasal discharge—especially after head injury or sinus surgery.