Unlikely: Nasal drainage caused by allergies is typically crystal clear (like water). Colored nasal drainage is more likely to be indicative of an infection. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers fail to recognize that clear discharge is not a reliable indicator that a person is not infected. Many bacterial sinusitis episodes are missed as a result of this issue.
Answered 4/17/2018
6.3k views
Yellow mucus: Most often, yellow mucus is a sign of infection and clear mucus signals allergy. There are always exceptions to rules, so sometimes clear mucus is present in colds, and very yellow mucus is full of eosinophils, or allergy-related white cells.
Answered 8/17/2013
5.5k views
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A doctor has provided 1 answer
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question