Dorothy FarrarDischarge from the ear
In addition to harmless causes, such as overproduction of the earwax glands, serious illnesses or injuries can be responsible for the discharge from the ear . The color and smell of the discharge give a first indication of the cause.
Discharge from the ear: description
Ear discharge (also known as ear discharge or otorrhea) is fluid that leaks from one or both ears. The consistency, color and smell can vary and give first clues to the cause of the discharge from the ear.
The possible reasons can be found in the middle ear, in the external auditory canal or in the skull. Treatment and investigation options depend on what is causing the discharge from the ear. Together with other complaints, the doctor receives a clear picture and can select the appropriate treatment, so that consequential damage can usually be avoided.
Causes
Most commonly, ear discharge is caused by inflammation of the middle ear or external auditory canal. If only the outer auditory canal is affected by the inflammation, it is usually a skin reaction to jewellery, hearing aids or care products. In this case, the secretion is only formed in the outer ear.Another cause of discharge from the ear can be a mechanical injury to the ear canal or eardrum. In these cases, falls or blows are usually responsible for the symptoms. But careless use of cotton swabs to clean ears can also lead to injuries.
Severe skull base fracture injuries can also cause discharge from the ear. Furthermore, malformations of the eardrum, which are congenital or as a result of chronic inflammation, can lead to discharge from the ear. Much rarer causes of discharge from the ear can be tumors of the middle ear or the ear canal.
Diseases
When to the doctor?
As soon as the discharge from the ear takes a chronic course or is experienced as very annoying, a doctor should be consulted. In a small amount, the discharge is normal and a natural process. This does not require a visit to a doctor.
If it occurs in such a way that it runs out of the ear by itself within a few hours, a doctor must initiate more detailed examinations and find the cause. If the color of the discharge changes or if the odor is perceived as unpleasant, a doctor should also be consulted. A pungent or acrid smell indicates other disorders in the inner ear.
A doctor’s visit is also necessary if the consistency of the discharge changes noticeably. Under normal conditions, it is creamy, making it easy to remove. If it becomes thin or extremely hard, the symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
If other symptoms such as earache , headache or hearing impairment occur, the symptoms should be presented to a doctor. Swelling, severe itching or redness are additional indications that a disease is present that needs to be examined by a doctor. In very rare cases, dizziness, nausea or fatigue may occur. Here, only a doctor can find out through medical tests what is wrong with the person concerned.
Diagnosis and course
After the doctor has collected the first information about the nature of the discharge from the ear and the other symptoms, he can usually rule out many causes. It is also important for the doctor whether the symptoms are acute, chronic or recurring. Further investigations may also result from this.
Inflammation of the external auditory canal as a result of a skin reaction is often accompanied by itching , swelling and redness and can be most easily diagnosed by the doctor by examining the ear. In the case of acute, bacterial inflammation, the discharge from the ear is usually greenish and foul-smelling.
If a middle ear infection is not treated, the inflammation can spread to the surrounding bone. If the discharge from the ear is bloody, the doctor will have to rule out an injury. Chronic discharge from the ear can, in turn, be an indication of possible ear malformations that are accompanied by hearing loss.
Complications
A discharge from the ear is perceived as unpleasant and annoying. Shame and permanent control can set in. Since an ear infection can be hidden behind it, hearing impairments are to be expected. The hearing loss can lead to interpersonal and social problems. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. If the discharge dries up in the area of the outer or middle ear, vibrations from the environment can also no longer be adequately transmitted.
This reduces hearing and can lead to problems in everyday life, for example in traffic. The affected person usually suffers from other symptoms such as pressure in the ear , malaise, dizziness or fever. Problems with concentration or disturbances of consciousness follow. If the discharge from the ear is associated with an unpleasant odor, feelings such as self-dislike or disgust can arise. The discharge can cause a tingling sensation in the ear. The need to itch increases.
Relieving itching by scratching carries the risk of penetrating deep into the ear and damaging it. If there is an earache or an infection, medication is usually given. These have side effects that should be considered. They often lead to stomach or intestinal problems. Painkillers can cause dependency and must be dosed correctly.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment options for discharge from the ear are, like the causes, diverse and range from local to surgical treatments. If there is bloody discharge from the ear, treatment should be given early. Acting quickly is important to avoid permanent damage such as hearing loss. The same applies to greenish, purulent discharge from the ear, especially if there is pain and fever. Even chronic complaints that do not get better should definitely be checked out by an ear, nose and throat doctor.
Bacterial infections are treated by the doctor with antibiotics . The duration of intake and the possibility of local treatment depend on the cause and progress of the inflammation. In the case of chronic inflammation, a hearing test should be carried out to rule out a reduction in hearing performance.
If the inflammation of the external auditory canal is responsible for the discharge from the ear, ointments will bring relief. Contact with the trigger of the skin reaction should be avoided from now on. In many cases, ear malformations are treated surgically. This often even improves hearing performance.
If a skull base fracture is responsible for the discharge from the ear, the therapy consists primarily of treating the fracture. This depends on the severity and type of injury. In children, discharge from the ear without symptoms such as fever and fatigue can indicate a foreign object in the ear. Removal of the foreign body is often sufficient here.
Outlook and prognosis
In the case of discharge from the ear, the course of the disease depends on the cause. If there is an inflammation, there is usually a permanent elimination of the symptoms as soon as the healing process is complete. This is also the case with a bacterial infection. The administration of medication achieves very good and lasting results in these diseases.
In the case of a chronic course, the symptoms occur at regular intervals, often over a period of years. There is a risk that within a recurring discharge from the ear, other causes are not pursued further. This can lead to a spread and significant deterioration in the usual state of health.
In severe cases, there is an increase in discharge and other symptoms. These include pain, exhaustion or tiredness . Hearing impairment or loss may occur.
If the discharge from the ear is due to a congenital malformation, this can in some cases be corrected by surgery. The discharge from the ear is then stopped. If an operation is not possible, the patient will learn to deal with the symptom for life.
If the discharge from the ear is enriched with blood, immediate action is required. If a tumor is the cause, the prognosis must be kept on an individual basis.
Prevention
Due to the diverse causes of discharge from the ear, no general recommendations for prevention can be given. In order to avoid injuries to the external auditory canal, cleaning the ears with cotton swabs should be avoided. Care products should also be used sparingly.In the case of recurring or chronic inflammation, the hearing performance should be checked at regular intervals so that permanent damage can be ruled out in this context.
Finally, falls and accidents should be clarified in order to counter the possibility of various consequential damages. These measures can help prevent discharge from the ear from occurring in the first place.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.