Differential Diagnosis for Yellow Nasal Discharge
Single most likely diagnosis
- Common Cold: The most common cause of yellow nasal discharge is the common cold, which is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The yellow color is due to the presence of neutrophils and other cellular debris.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Influenza: Influenza, or the flu, can also cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is a more severe case. The flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and can cause a range of symptoms, including nasal discharge.
- Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if the allergies are severe. This is due to the release of histamine and other chemical mediators in response to allergens.
- Sinusitis: Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, can cause yellow or green nasal discharge, especially if it is a bacterial infection. The discharge is due to the accumulation of pus and other debris in the sinuses.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: Meningitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is caused by a bacterial infection such as Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is a pulmonary infection that has spread to the sinuses.
Rare diagnoses
- Fungal Sinusitis: Fungal sinusitis is a rare infection that can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is an invasive infection such as mucormycosis or aspergillosis.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis: Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is a granulomatous infection that affects the sinuses and respiratory tract.
- Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause yellow nasal discharge, especially if it is a granulomatous infection that affects the sinuses and respiratory tract.