It is widespread to see people with runny noses for different reasons, especially at certain times of the year due to allergies, viruses, or the presence of foreign bodies inside the nostrils. This nasal discharge can vary in consistency and color depending on its cause. When it is a liquid and yellow discharge, it is characteristic of some particular pathologies.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we answer why I am getting yellow liquid from my nose and explain what medical treatment can be recommended in this case.
Table of Contents
The color of snot
The color of the phlegm gives an orientation to the nasal picture that the patient presents. Ideally, you have a transparent and whitish discharge, and there may also be the presence of dry mucus inside the nostril.
When the mucus is stained in color, it is indicative that it is in the presence of a virus or bacteria. In this case, the body’s defenses, such as white blood cells, surround them to destroy them, and this generates the presence of residues that paint the mucus color.
The color of the snot can vary from yellow to greenish, and at the same time, the amount can increase:
- Transparent mucus: it is the usual color. Sometimes it can be the origin of a disease, such as allergic rhinitis or a cold.
- Yellowish or greenish mucus: indicates that there is an infectious process, and the defenses are acting to prevent the progress of the infection. As the days go by, it will change color, becoming darker and increasing its amount. Green mucus indicates that there is an infectious disease. However, it can be of viral origin. In this sense, we must wait for the patient’s symptoms to indicate the appropriate treatment.
- Red mucus: inflammation of the nasal mucosa or a nosebleed can cause the discharge from the nose to stain red, or there may be lung lesions, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even lung cancer, that give rise to this coloration.
- Black mucus: it can occur due to inhaling smoke during a fire. It can also happen in coal mine workers or after breathing in places with high environmental contamination.
Yellow fluid coming out of the nose: causes
The discharge of yellow fluid through the nose can occur for several reasons, among which we can mention:
- Common cold: it is caused by a virus, which is spread by droplets of saliva that are released from a sick person when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose. This virus gives rise to the appearance of yellow nasal discharge from the nostrils.
- Allergic rhinitis: the presence of an infectious process during this alteration causes the nasal discharge to change from transparent to yellow.
- Nasal polyps: These lesions are found on the nasal mucosa and sinuses. In cases where these lesions obstruct the nasal passages, a sinus infection may occur, which will cause the nasal discharge to turn yellow.
- Sinusitis is produced by inflammation of the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses, a product of the presence of allergies or microorganisms, generating the appearance of yellow nasal discharge.
- Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs. Due to the inflammation, the air that enters or leaves is much less, which causes a runny nose that can become yellow.
Symptoms that may accompany yellow fluid from the nose
The symptoms that accompany the discharge of yellow fluid from the nose vary according to the cause that gives rise to this discharge. It can manifest itself:
- Nasal congestion.
- Rhinorrhea.
- Sneeze.
- Sore throat and irritation.
- Headache.
- To.
- Goteo retronasal.
- Muscle pains.
- Decreased smell.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fever in some cases.
Medical treatment of yellow fluid leaking from the nose
The indicated treatment in cases where yellow nasal discharge occurs is directed to the symptoms that the patient presents. The doctor, after consultation, will suggest the appropriate pharmacological treatment for the signs that accompany the pathology. These can be pain relievers, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatories to relieve symptoms of a stuffy nose.
In the case of an allergic reaction, the doctor will indicate:
- Antihistamines: to control allergy symptoms.
- Nasal decongestants: are responsible for reducing the symptoms of nasal congestion.
In cases of bronchitis or other alteration where there is an associated bacterial infectious process, the doctor will indicate an antibiotic to avoid complications.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why am I getting yellow liquid from my nose, we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose, and Throat category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.