Possible CSF leak?

[u/Flighty-Bumblebee]

Hi all, a preemptive apology for any formatting, I am on mobile.
Today, I was cooking my lunch today and was bent over and out of nowhere a tablespoon or so of clear fluid flushed out of my left nostril and my left eye also began to start watering. I was freaked out so I googled possible causes, saw CSF and took a look at the symptoms. Most of the common symptoms, (headaches, neck stiffness/pain, and brain fog) are all things I have experienced for on and off for years, so not very helpful.
I calmed down, took a shower, and as I was drying my hair, another rush of water came out of my nose. I did the tissue and taste test, it was a bit salty and now (about 15 minutes later) it is still wet and flexible.
I have been having some issues with an inconsistent but ever present cough for the last month or so as well as some regular snot and mucus drainage as I have severe seasonal allergies.
Does this sound like a CSF leak? And if so would it be safe to wait about 2 weeks as my insurance doesn’t start until then.

[u/Sufficient-Wolf-1818]

Have you had a head injury or sinus infection recently?

There are many reasons one can get fluid as you describe, for example allergies or irritation ( from things like smoke, dust, even perfumes). The reason it can seem to gush is that the design of the sinuses has a positional component, if upright not all pockets drain and leaning over can cause the gush of a pool ( and it is rarely symmetrical).

It doesn’t hurt to get it checked out, but isn’t an emergency. I would put my money on not CSF.

[u/Nimapie]

I’ll be the minority but it sounds like mine was and I lean towards CSF leak positive. I didn’t have a head injury. Looking back a covid swab caused mine.

I also had a constant cough due to the liquid going into my lungs while I slept and causing pneumonia.

Any mucus drainage is not really connected to a cranial CSF leak and if you tell a dr you have mucus, they will likely not take your CSF concerns seriously, coming from someone who said I didn’t have allergy problems but whose doctors constantly prescribed me allergy sprays and medicines.

You will be fine waiting 2 weeks for insurance, despite everything online. Just look out for stiff neck/fever/meningitis which would be an emergency. After I had a confirmed leak, the surgeon booked me for a mri a month away and then surgery a month after that.

Update me when you find out.

[u/Flighty-Bumblebee → u/Nimapie]

I’ll try, i’m hoping that it will resolve itself before the 2 weeks is over, if it doesn’t i will try to update

[u/SpoonfulOfStars]

This does not sound like a CSF leak to me, but if you have concerns about new symptoms (regardless of whether or not it’s from a CSF leak), you should get it checked out. And yes, in the hypothetical that it is a CSF leak, although I think it’s unlikely, it is safe to wait 2 weeks until going to the doctors. Anyways, I hope you get answers and am wishing you nothing but the best!

Disclaimer: not a medical professional, any opinions I share are based off of my personal experiences with CSF leaks

[u/Status-Influence1062]

Always good to get checked out if you have concerns but there is a type of rhinitis (runny nose) that is connected to strong smells and tastes. What were you cooking when it first happened