Why is the nasal mucus very thick and yellow, and what should I do about it?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Thick, excessive yellow nasal mucus may be caused by dry air irritation, the recovery phase of a cold, sinusitis, acute rhinitis, or nasopharyngitis. Symptoms can be improved by moisturizing the nasal passages, drinking more water, and medication. If symptoms persist for over one week or are accompanied by headache or worsening nasal congestion, prompt medical attention is necessary. Insufficient environmental humidity can lead to nasal discomfort.

The nasal mucus is particularly thick and yellow, which may be caused by dry air irritation, recovery phase of a cold, sinusitis, acute rhinitis, or nasopharyngitis. Symptoms can be improved by moisturizing the nasal passages, drinking more water, and medication. If symptoms persist for more than one week or are accompanied by headache or worsening nasal congestion, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Dry air irritation: Insufficient environmental humidity causes moisture loss from the nasal mucosa, leading to concentrated, thick, and yellowish secretions, possibly accompanied by nasal dryness and crusting. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase ambient humidity and apply saline nasal sprays to moisten the nasal passages and relieve mucus viscosity.

2. Recovery phase of a cold: After a viral infection, the nasal mucosa is repairing itself and inflammation gradually subsides, causing the discharge to change from watery to thick and yellowish, with decreasing volume over time. It is advised to drink plenty of fluids, maintain a light diet, and ensure adequate rest to promote recovery.

3. Sinusitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses, resulting in swollen and congested mucosa that produces large amounts of thick, yellow mucus, accompanied by nasal congestion, headache, and reduced sense of smell. Under medical guidance, medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and eucalyptus citronellol enteric soft capsules may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Acute rhinitis: Acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to increased, thick, yellowish secretions, along with nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching. Under a doctor's supervision, patients may use amoxicillin capsules, oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray, and Biyuan Tongqiao granules to relieve discomfort.

5. Nasopharyngitis: Inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa due to infection results in postnasal drip of thick, yellow secretions, accompanied by dryness and a foreign body sensation in the nasopharynx. As directed by a physician, medications such as cefaclor capsules, budesonide nasal spray, and Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid can be used to improve symptoms.

To maintain nasal health, keep the nasal passages clean by rinsing with saline solution, avoid forceful nose-blowing, stay away from smoke and dust irritants, eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and maintain regular sleep patterns to boost immunity.

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Will my voice return to normal after a cold causes hoarseness?

In general, whether hoarseness caused by a cold can recover depends on the specific situation. Hoarseness due to mild mucosal congestion usually resolves completely; however, if the vocal cords suffer severe damage or pathological changes, recovery becomes more difficult. Daily care should include adequate vocal rest, avoiding loud talking or singing. Drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist, while spicy or excessively hot foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

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Can mild pulmonary hypertension be cured?

In general, whether mild pulmonary hypertension can be cured depends on whether the underlying cause is clear and removable. Cases secondary to left heart disease or lung diseases often improve once the underlying cause is addressed; however, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is difficult to cure completely and requires long-term management. Patients with mild pulmonary hypertension should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, refrain from strenuous exercise and high-altitude environments, and reduce stress on the lungs in daily life.