What causes dryness and yellow discharge inside the nose, and what should be done about it?

Dry nose with yellow discharge may be caused by dry environment, insufficient water intake, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, or vestibulitis. It can be improved through moisturizing care, hydration, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, or are accompanied by headache or nosebleeds, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Dry environment: Low air humidity causes moisture loss in the nasal mucosa and reduced glandular secretion, leading to dryness and concentrated yellow nasal discharge. It is recommended to use a humidifier to increase ambient humidity and apply saline nasal spray daily to moisten the nasal passages.

2. Insufficient water intake: Dehydration reduces mucus production in the nasal mucosa, causing secretions to dry and form yellow crusts, often accompanied by a burning sensation in the nose. It is advised to drink sufficient warm water daily, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables.

3. Acute rhinitis: Viral infection causes acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which may be complicated by secondary bacterial infection, resulting in nasal dryness, yellow nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Under medical guidance, medications such as oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal spray, cefaclor capsules, and Biyuantongqiao granules may be used to relieve symptoms.

4. Sinusitis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the sinus mucosa, with pus forming in the sinuses and draining as yellow discharge. The nasal mucosa becomes dry, often accompanied by headache and reduced sense of smell. Patients may use budesonide nasal spray, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, and eucalyptus oil-pinene enteric-coated soft capsules under medical supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Nasal vestibulitis: Infection of the skin in the nasal vestibule caused by nasal discharge irritation or nose picking leads to nasal dryness and formation of yellow crusts, accompanied by local pain and swelling. Patients may follow medical advice to use erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, and physiological seawater nasal spray to improve symptoms.

To maintain nasal hygiene, gently clean secretions with cotton swabs, avoid forceful nose picking or blowing, choose mild nasal care products, eat a light diet, drink plenty of water, and minimize exposure to dust and irritating gases.