Ear discharge or otorrhea is a frequent illness where fluid or discharge oozes out of the ear. It may come as a result of different underlying factors, such as infections and ear trauma. Although ear discharge is normally not harmful, it may at times indicate a medical condition that may need immediate attention. In this blog, we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment of ear discharge so that you can know when it should be of concern to you and how to effectively manage it.


What is Ear Discharge?

Ear discharge is any type of fluid that is drained out of the ear. It may be of different consistencies, color, and smell depending on the cause of the discharge. The fluid can be clear, yellow, green or bloody and may be thin and watery or thick and pus-like. Ear discharge is not a disease but is a symptom of a disease that often signifies that there is something wrong with the ear, usually an infection or another medical concern.


Ear is a sensitive system that comprises the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The ear discharge may affect any part of the ear, but is most often related to the outer ear or the ear canal, where infections such as otitis externa (swimmer ear) or otitis media (middle ear infection) take place.


Various Causes of Ear Discharge 

Causes of ear discharge include several conditions. The most frequent ones include infectious, traumatic, or underlying illnesses. The most common causes of ear discharge are as follows:


Ear Infections (Otitis Media and Otitis Externa)

The most common cause of the ear discharge is ear infections. Ear infections can be of two major types:


  • Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection): It is an infection in the middle ear and usually as a result of a bacterial or viral infection. The ear may have fluid or pus behind the ear drum causing ear discharge as the eardrum ruptures or empties. Otitis media is a disease that is most prevalent in children but may occur in adults.
  • Otitis Externa (Outer ear infection or Swimmers ear): This is the infection of the outer ear canal which is commonly caused by bacteria or fungi. It may be caused by contact with water, particularly among swimmers or by the insertion of objects in the ear. It is common with this kind of infection resulting in itchiness, redness, and ear discharge that may be clear or pus-filled.

Ear Injuries

Ear discharge can be caused by trauma to the ear like a perforated ear drum or a blow to the ear. The ruptured eardrum can cause fluid (blood or pus) to leak out of the ear. These injuries may be caused by loud sounds, abrupt changes in pressure (e.g. when flying), or accidents.


Chronic Sinus Infections

Ear discharge may occur in some instances due to chronic sinus infections (sinuitis). The sinuses are also directly related to the ear, and the inflammation and pressure are severe in case of sinus infection, which may cause fluid to drain into the ear, resulting in ear discharge.


Allergies

Fluid accumulating in the ear may come about due to allergies, particularly to the sinuses, which leads to ear discharge. The discharge in such instances is usually clear and is usually accompanied by other symptoms of allergy that include sneezing and runny nose.


Ear Foreign Objects

Children are especially susceptible to inserting foreign objects in their ears. Once an object gets stuck in the ear canal, it may lead to irritation, infection and discharge. In other instances, the foreign object can result in a block, which causes accumulation of the fluid which ultimately causes ear discharge.


Eczema or Skin Conditions

The ear may also be discharged due to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The skin in the ear canal may end up inflamed, cracked or dry as a result of these conditions which causes the build up of fluid and discharge.


Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is an overgrowth of the skin cells in the middle ear that may lead to ear discharge. This will come about as a result of repetitive ear infections or a perforated ear drum. Without the treatment of cholesteatomas, the latter can cause permanent ear drainage, hearing loss, and other issues.


Tumors or Cysts

On rare occasions, ear discharge can be caused by tumors or ear cysts. These growths may block the ear passage or may result in fluid being trapped in the middle ear resulting in discharge.


Important Ear Discharge Symptoms

The ear discharge symptoms depend on the cause. The typical symptoms of ear discharge are:


Pain in the Ear

Ear pain or discomfort is also typical particularly when the discharge is brought about by an infection. The pain can be sharp, dull or throbbing and can be aggravated during ear touching and motion.


Hearing Loss

Ear discharge, with hearing loss, may be the result of a more serious disease, including middle ear infection or ruptured eardrum. The fluid can block the ear canal, which is used in hearing.


Read More: Tear Drops - Best Drops For Dry Eyes


Itching or Irritation

Otitis externa (swimmer ear) is associated with itching or irritation of the inside of the ear canal. This may happen prior to the discharge being noticeable and is frequently accompanied by reddening or swelling of the ear canal.


Fever

In case the smelly ear discharge is due to an infection, a fever can develop, especially in otitis media or otitis externa. The body responds to infection and inflammation by generating a fever.


Ear Drainage

The pus from the ear may be of a particular type and color that gives an indication regarding the cause of the condition. For example:


  • Clear or watery discharge: May be a sign of a minor ear infection, allergies, or ear irritation.
  • Yellow or green discharge: This ear infection discharge is usually related to bacterial diseases, including otitis media or otitis externa.
  • Bloody discharge: Can be a ruptured ear drum, ear trauma or a more severe infection.

Peritonsillar Redness or Swelling

Infections, especially otitis externa, are associated with swelling or redness of the ear. The ear canal can also swell and it is hard to drain the fluid.


Treatment Options for Ear Discharge

Ear discharge treatment lies in the etiology. The most common treatment options are as follows:


Antibiotics

Antibiotics are usually prescribed in case the discharge of the ear is a result of a bacterial infection. This can be oral antibiotics or topical antibiotic drops based on the seriousness of the infection.


Ear Drops

Ear drops may be used to relieve ear discharge, whether over-the-counter or prescription and are particularly effective when the ear discharge is associated with otitis externa. These drops could assist in decreasing the inflammation and destroying bacteria or fungi.


Pain Relief

Pain associated with ear discharge can be treated using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These drugs have the capability of decreasing swelling and alleviating pain.


Warm Compresses

Warm compress may be applied on the painful ear to alleviate pain and inflammation. The heat also may assist in softening any stagnant fluid or pus, and drainage.


Surgical Drainage

Surgical drainage can be required in situations where the ear drainage is caused by a ruptured eardrum, or a ruptured eardrum with a cholesteatoma. This is done by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist in order to clear the ear of any fluid or growths.


Avoid Inserting Objects in the Ear

In case the ear discharge is induced by irritation or a foreign body in the ear, one should not put anything in the ear canal. This can aggravate the situation and add more bacteria.


Conclusion

Ear discharge is a very prevalent issue which may have different underlying causes such as infections, injuries and skin diseases. Although it usually concerns a mild problem that is successfully treated, it should be noted that the symptoms should be paid attention to and the medical attention should be sought in case the discharge is prolonged, painful, and combined with other worrying symptoms. Through proper treatment, ear discharge may be successfully treated in most cases and complications may be averted.


Please book an appointment with the best ENT Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.