What causes yellow nasal discharge in the morning?
Recently, when blowing my nose in the morning, I noticed that the nasal discharge was yellow and in considerable amount. My nose also felt somewhat congested, and at times, I experienced dryness and itching in the nose. Can you help me figure out what's going on?
Doctor's answer (1)
In the morning, the occurrence of yellow nasal discharge is usually caused by an inflammatory response in the nasal cavity or upper respiratory tract, which may be an immune response by the body to viral or bacterial infections. The yellow color of the nasal mucus comes from white blood cells and purulent material, indicating a possible bacterial infection, such as sinusitis or chronic rhinitis.
In addition, rhinitis may also lead to yellow nasal discharge in the morning. This is often due to long-term smoking or inhaling irritants such as dust, which damage the nasal mucosa and trigger inflammation. For this condition, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Diagnosis can be confirmed through tests such as a complete blood count and nasal endoscopy, and treatment should be administered by a qualified physician.
In terms of treatment, depending on the underlying cause, antibiotics, antiallergic medications, or local nasal irrigation may be used. Before taking any medication, it is essential to consult a qualified physician to avoid self-medication, which could worsen the condition or cause adverse reactions.
Generally speaking, occasional yellow nasal discharge in the morning may be caused by environmental factors or a common cold. However, if the yellow discharge persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as fever, prompt medical attention is necessary.
