What Causes Yellowish Nasal Discharge After Recovering From Sinus Infection?

Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016

Question: Hi,

I had a sinus infection 2 weeks ago. I took the antibiotic, and things have been better. Right now, I am getting yellow discharge from nose time to time. I also have cough, they do not produce anything, although they cause breathing problem for me. I am taking Fluticasone & Seretide regularly for my Ashtma. But things since the sinus infection and completing the antibiotic doses, seems to be not improving with Cough with Breathing problem and time to time Yellowish nasal discharges. At such cases, what do you prescribe? Should I take montelukast for a week or prednisolone? I do not take anything anti-allergy, can taking antiallergy or decongestant clear up the nasal passages?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
A change of antibiotics and a short course of oral steroids may help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Yellow discharge from nose may indicate bacterial infection. Since you have already taken antibiotics, probably a change of antibiotics may help.

You may also use a nasal spray like duonase/fluticasone/metaspray.

A short course of stetroids is often given to control the acute exacerbation of symptoms but you should take it along with antibiotics to avoid flare up of infection.

Be regular with your inhalers and avoid cold , dust and smoke. Steam inhalation may also help.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shashi Dangwal (2 hours later)

Hi,

I have taken Azythromycin 1gram for 2 days, and 500gram for 5 days. This has passed for 13 days now. My fever like symptoms are gone. Although, I feel pressure on my sinus passage, noses feel free, but feel the block behind the nose. I still have the nasal discharges. First I thought the infection is gone and the discharges would eventually go. Does the existence of discharge and the pressure on sinus passage suggest my infection is not cured yet? Can you please advise any other antibiotic then Azythromycin for such infection and an average recommended dose?

Thanks a lot.

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
augmentin 1gm twice a day for 5 to 7 days.

Detailed Answer:

Yes you can take augmentin 1gm twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Only there should be no history of allergy to penicillin group of antibiotics. Other good antibiotic is ciplox 500 mgm twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Follow other instructions as advised above.

If no significant improvement after this, you may have to consult a ENT specialist.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar