Discharging Ear

Discharging ear, also known as otorrhea, is a condition where there is an abnormal discharge of fluid, pus or blood from the ear. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including infections, trauma, tumors, allergies, foreign bodies, or even medications.

CAUSES 

  1. Infections: Discharging ear can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections in the ear. Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is a common cause of discharging ear. This condition occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, becomes blocked or infected. The buildup of fluid in the middle ear can cause the eardrum to rupture, leading to discharge from the ear. Other infections that can cause discharging ear include mastoiditis, which is an infection of the bone behind the ear, and swimmer’s ear, which is an infection of the outer ear.

  2. Trauma: Trauma to the ear can also lead to discharging ear. This can be caused by a blow to the ear, a fall or an accident. Trauma can cause damage to the eardrum or the ear canal, leading to discharge from the ear.

  3. Tumors: Tumors of the ear or the surrounding structures can also cause discharging ear. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can lead to discharge, hearing loss, and other symptoms.

  4. Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the ear and lead to discharging ear. This can be caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust, and animal dander.

  5. Foreign bodies: Objects that become lodged in the ear can also lead to discharging ear. This can be caused by cotton swabs, small toys, or insects that enter the ear.

  6. Medications: Certain medications can also cause discharging ear. For example, some topical antibiotics used to treat ear infections can cause irritation and discharge from the ear.

TREATMENT

Treatment for discharging ear will depend on the underlying cause. A doctor will need to perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the condition. Treatment may include the following:

  1. Antibiotics: If the discharging ear is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

  2. Ear drops: Ear drops may be prescribed to help clear the ear canal of any debris or infection. These drops may contain antibiotics or steroids to reduce inflammation.

  3. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the discharging ear. For example, if the discharging ear is caused by a tumor or a foreign body lodged in the ear, surgery may be needed to remove it.

  4. Cleaning the ear: If the discharging ear is caused by wax buildup or a foreign body lodged in the ear, the ear may need to be cleaned by a doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

  5. Rest and avoidance of water: If the discharging ear is caused by a ruptured eardrum, the doctor may recommend rest and avoidance of water. The use of earplugs or cotton balls may be recommended to protect the ear.

PREVENTION

There are several steps you can take to prevent discharging ear:

  1. Keep your ears clean: Clean your ears regularly to prevent wax buildup, which can lead to infection and discharging ear.

  2. Protect your ears: If you are exposed to loud noises, wear earplugs or other protective devices to prevent damage to your ears.

  3. Avoid inserting objects in your ear: Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects in your ear, as this can push wax further into the ear