Ear drainage, also known as otorrhea, is any fluid exiting the ear canal. Its appearance, from clear to thick or bloody, often indicates the underlying cause.
Common Reasons for Ear Drainage
Acute otitis media, a middle ear infection, is a frequent cause of ear drainage. Fluid and pus accumulate behind the eardrum, leading to increased pressure. This pressure can rupture the eardrum, allowing the fluid to drain. The discharge is often thick, cloudy, pus-like, and may be tinged with blood.
Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is another common cause of ear drainage. This outer ear canal infection is often triggered by water exposure, creating a moist environment for bacterial or fungal growth. Inflammation and irritation can lead to a clear or cloudy discharge, sometimes yellowish, and often accompanied by itching and pain.
Foreign objects lodged within the ear canal can also cause drainage. Children may insert small items like beads or food particles. These objects can irritate or injure the ear canal lining, leading to inflammation and a discharge that might be clear, bloody, or contain pus if an infection develops.
Less Common or Serious Causes
Trauma to the ear or head can cause ear drainage, with the discharge type depending on the injury. A direct blow or deep scratch can cause bloody drainage. Severe head trauma, like a skull fracture, might lead to clear, watery fluid, indicating a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
A cholesteatoma is a less common cause of ear drainage. This non-cancerous skin growth develops behind the eardrum, often from chronic ear infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. As it grows, it can erode bone and cause a persistent, foul-smelling yellowish or brownish discharge. This condition requires medical intervention to prevent further damage.
Mastoiditis is a serious, rare bacterial infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear. It typically arises as a complication of an untreated middle ear infection. Symptoms include pain, fever, and thick, pus-like drainage. The area behind the ear may also appear red, swollen, and tender.
A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from the ear is a rare but serious condition, usually occurring after head trauma or certain surgical procedures. CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. If a breach occurs in the bone separating the ear from the brain, this fluid can leak into the ear canal. The drainage is clear, watery, and may increase with head movements or straining.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consult a healthcare professional if ear drainage persists for more than a few days, as ongoing discharge signals an underlying issue. Any significant changes in the discharge, such as becoming bloody, particularly thick, or developing a foul odor, warrant immediate evaluation. These changes can indicate a worsening infection or a more serious condition.
If ear drainage is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek professional medical advice. These symptoms include severe ear pain, fever, dizziness, or a sudden change in hearing. Facial weakness or swelling behind the ear with drainage also suggest a potentially serious condition needing prompt assessment.
Any ear drainage following a head injury requires an immediate visit to an emergency room or urgent care. This drainage could signify a skull fracture or a cerebrospinal fluid leak, both medical emergencies. For infants and young children, any ear drainage should always lead to a medical evaluation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important due to their developing immune systems and potential for rapid infection progression.