Green Discharge from One Nostril: Foreign Body, Sinusitis, or Structural Issue

Unilateral green nasal discharge is not normal and suggests localized pathology:

• Foreign body: Especially in children (beads, food, tissue); foul odor common.
• Odontogenic sinusitis: Maxillary molar infection → unilateral maxillary sinusitis → purulent drainage.
• Anatomic obstruction: Deviated septum, concha bullosa, polyp blocking drainage.
• Fungal sinusitis: Allergic fungal (polyps, thick mucus) or invasive (immunocompromised).
• Tumor: Rare (inverted papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma) — persistent, often bloody.

Action

• Trauma or known FB insertion → immediate ENT/ER.
• Persistent >3–5 days → primary care/ENT for nasal endoscopy ± CT sinuses.
• Do not probe blindly — risks mucosal injury, deeper impaction.

Bilateral green discharge favors viral/bacterial rhinosinusitis; unilateral warrants targeted investigation.