What does a change in nasal discharge from clear to yellow mean?

The change of nasal discharge from clear to yellow indicates an inflammatory infection, mostly bacterial, with common bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus hemolyticus. Yellow nasal discharge is commonly associated with acute rhinitis or acute sinusitis. Acute rhinitis is caused by the invasion of bacteria and viruses after the body’s immunity and resistance are reduced, resulting in nasal symptoms, which can cause bilateral nasal congestion, yellow nasal discharge, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains and other related symptoms. Treatment requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy and oral anti-inflammatory medication for about a week to heal. Sinusitis secondary to upper respiratory tract infection, when the inflammation is more severe it leads to congestion, edema, and inflammatory exudation of the sinus mucosa. Patients will have symptoms related to persistent yellow nose, headache, facial swelling and pain, and need to check sinus CT for clear diagnosis, and need to perform sinus puncture and irrigation. Simultaneously with infusion therapy, ceftriaxone sodium and cefotaxime sodium can be input, and recurrent sinusitis will require surgical treatment.