Yellow Nasal Discharge: Causes (Cold, Sinusitis, Allergies) and Self-Care

Yellow mucus often signals immune activity (neutrophils) and can arise from:

• Viral URI (cold) – starts clear, turns yellow/green as neutrophils accumulate
• Acute bacterial sinusitis – persistent >10 days, worsening after improvement, facial pain, fever
• Allergic rhinitis – clear usually, but can be yellow with secondary inflammation
• Other – foreign body, tumor (rare, with unilateral foul discharge)

Self-Care

• Hydration
• Saline irrigation (neti pot)
• Humidifier
• OTC decongestants (≤3 days) / antihistamines
• Avoid known allergens

See a Doctor If

Fever >38.5°C, severe headache, stiff neck, vision changes, unilateral foul discharge, symptoms >10 days without improvement.