Yellow nasal discharge with a foul odor indicates what?

Yellow nasal discharge with a foul odor may be caused by poor nasal hygiene, recovery phase of the common cold, sinusitis, atrophic rhinitis, or nasopharyngitis. Symptoms can be improved through nasal cleansing, proper care adjustments, and medication. If symptoms persist for more than one week or are accompanied by headache or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Poor nasal hygiene: Long-term accumulation of nasal secretions mixed with dust and bacterial fermentation can lead to yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge. It is recommended to rinse the nose with saline solution once or twice daily to clean the nasal cavity, reduce residual secretions, and maintain nasal moisture.

2. Recovery phase of the common cold: In the later stages of a cold, as the viral infection gradually improves, inflammation of the nasal mucosa persists, leading to increased yellowish secretions that may have a mild foul odor due to mixing with dead tissue. It is advised to drink plenty of warm water, eat a light diet, ensure adequate rest, and avoid spicy or irritating foods that could worsen inflammation.

3. Sinusitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation in the sinuses, resulting in increased purulent secretions that drain as yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge, often accompanied by nasal congestion and headache. Patients may use medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, mometasone furoate nasal spray, or Biyuan Tongqiao granules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Atrophic rhinitis: Atrophy of the nasal mucosa leads to reduced secretions, dryness, and crust formation. The crusts, when mixed with bacteria, decompose and produce a foul odor; yellow discharge often appears along with these crusts. It is recommended to use medications such as compound menthol nasal drops, saline nasal spray, or vitamin AD drops under medical supervision to relieve discomfort.

5. Nasopharyngitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, increasing secretions that become yellow and foul-smelling when drained or flowing backward. This condition is often accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Patients may follow medical advice to take amoxicillin capsules, budesonide nasal spray, or Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid to improve symptoms.

To maintain nasal health, keep the nasal passages clean by rinsing daily with saline solution, avoid picking the nose, drink plenty of water to keep the respiratory tract moist, eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and minimize intake of irritating foods.