What Causes Discharge From Ear?

February 26, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Discharge From Ear

Discharge from the ear, also known as otorrhea, can be caused by various factors, and the specific cause may depend on the nature of the discharge, associated symptoms, and the individual’s medical history. Some common causes of ear discharge include:

  • Ear Infections:
    • Otitis Media: Middle ear infections can lead to the accumulation of fluid or pus behind the eardrum, causing discharge. This is more common in children but can affect individuals of any age.
    • Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): Infections of the external ear canal, often associated with water exposure, can cause pain, itching, and discharge.
  • Trauma or Injury:
    • Perforated Eardrum: A tear or hole in the eardrum, often resulting from trauma, infections, or changes in pressure, can cause discharge from the ear.
  • Foreign Objects:
    • Foreign Body in the Ear: The presence of a foreign object in the ear canal can cause irritation, infection, and discharge.
  • Cholesteatoma:
    • A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, non-cancerous growth of skin cells in the middle ear. It can lead to discharge, hearing loss, and other symptoms.
  • Ear Wax Impaction:
    • Impacted earwax can cause blockage and lead to pain and discharge. Attempts to remove earwax using objects like cotton swabs can also result in injury and infection.
  • Ear Canal Dermatitis:
    • Inflammation or irritation of the skin lining the ear canal can lead to discharge.
  • Mastoiditis:
    • Inflammation of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear, can result in ear discharge and other symptoms.
  • Tumors or Growths:
    • Benign or malignant growths in the ear or surrounding structures may cause discharge.
  • Skull Fracture:
    • A fracture of the temporal bone, which houses the ear structures, can lead to ear discharge, especially if the fracture involves the ear canal.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if there is ear discharge, especially if it is persistent, accompanied by pain, changes in hearing, dizziness, or if there is a history of recent trauma. A healthcare professional, typically an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of the ear discharge and recommend appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosis and attempts to clean the ear using objects like cotton swabs can potentially worsen the condition, and it’s generally advised to avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.

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