What causes yellow nasal discharge in the nose every morning upon waking, and what should be done about it?

Waking up every day with yellow nasal mucus (boogers) in the nose may be caused by dry environment, dust irritation, sinusitis, rhinitis, or vestibulitis. Symptoms can be improved through moisturizing care, nasal cleansing, and medication. If accompanied by worsening nasal congestion, headache, or increased nasal discharge, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Dry Environment: Insufficient humidity during sleep causes the nasal mucosa to lose moisture, leading to concentrated secretions that form yellow nasal mucus, possibly accompanied by a sensation of nasal dryness. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase air moisture, and to spray physiological saline into the nose before bedtime to maintain nasal hydration.

2. Dust Irritation: Exposure to pollutants such as dust and mites during sleep triggers the nasal mucosa to secrete mucus to trap these particles, which then dries and forms yellow nasal mucus, possibly accompanied by mild nasal itching. It is advised to regularly clean the bedroom, change bed linens frequently, and rinse the nasal cavity before sleep to reduce pollutant residue.

3. Sinusitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial infection of the nasal sinuses leads to yellow purulent discharge, which dries and becomes nasal crusts, accompanied by nasal congestion and headache. Patients may take medications such as cefaclor sustained-release capsules, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and Biyuan Tongqiao Granules under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Rhinitis: Viral or bacterial infections causing rhinitis lead to nasal mucosal congestion and swelling, producing yellow mucus that dries into nasal crusts, accompanied by sneezing and nasal congestion. Under medical supervision, treatments such as oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray, amoxicillin capsules, and loratadine tablets may be used to relieve discomfort.

5. Nasal Vestibulitis: Bacterial infection of the skin in the nasal vestibule increases secretions due to inflammatory stimulation; these dry and form yellow nasal mucus, accompanied by redness, swelling, and tenderness in the nasal vestibule. Patients may follow medical advice to apply erythromycin ointment, take cefuroxime axetil tablets, or use isotonic seawater nasal spray to improve symptoms.

Maintain good indoor ventilation, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoid picking the nose, consistently clean the nasal cavity with physiological saline, and follow a light diet avoiding spicy and irritating foods.