Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Nasal Drip, Slight Headache And Subdural Empyema
Question: I have yellow dripping from my nose, just started today. I have a slight headache too. My concern is that two years ago I had subdural empyema which came from a sinus infection. Do I need to worry?
Brief Answer:
Sinusitis, empyema unlikely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Subdural empyema can be a life threatening condition, so your worry is legitimate.
For the moment there is no reason to suspect about brain involvement which would have lead to a far more serious clinical picture.
The yellow dripping and the mild headache though, could certainly indicate sinusitis. Sinusitis can be recurring, it is a very common condition and spreading into the brain is a rare complication, usually through the blood vessels. So unless your empyema was due to a history of cranial trauma, or some skull anomaly which makes the sinuses communicate directly with the skull, the chances of the sinusitis spreading again are low, no reason to panic.
However sinusitis itself should be addressed, with nasal decongestants (drops or spray), corticosteroid (drops or sprays) and antibiotics. Usually the later two are not started right away only if symptoms persist for 7-10 days, but in your case, considering past history and that yellow color, that waiting period can be shortened. Antibiotics should be prescribed by your primary physician though, after physically checking you to confirm sinusitis and the nature of your dripping.
I hope you will get better soon.
Sinusitis, empyema unlikely
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Subdural empyema can be a life threatening condition, so your worry is legitimate.
For the moment there is no reason to suspect about brain involvement which would have lead to a far more serious clinical picture.
The yellow dripping and the mild headache though, could certainly indicate sinusitis. Sinusitis can be recurring, it is a very common condition and spreading into the brain is a rare complication, usually through the blood vessels. So unless your empyema was due to a history of cranial trauma, or some skull anomaly which makes the sinuses communicate directly with the skull, the chances of the sinusitis spreading again are low, no reason to panic.
However sinusitis itself should be addressed, with nasal decongestants (drops or spray), corticosteroid (drops or sprays) and antibiotics. Usually the later two are not started right away only if symptoms persist for 7-10 days, but in your case, considering past history and that yellow color, that waiting period can be shortened. Antibiotics should be prescribed by your primary physician though, after physically checking you to confirm sinusitis and the nature of your dripping.
I hope you will get better soon.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
