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Alternative names Return to top
Drainage from the ear; OtorrheaDefinition Return to top
An ear discharge is drainage of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear.Considerations Return to top
Ear wax accounts for most ear discharges. However, discharges may also be caused by minor irritation or infection. Ear wax serves as a protective lining for the ear canal. It is almost never a problem unless attempts are made to "clean" the ear canals; if cleaning is done improperly, the ear canal can become blocked. Taking warm showers or washing the outside of the ears with a warm, moist washcloth usually helps prevent the build-up of wax.
A ruptured eardrum in a child who has been complaining of ear pain is often demonstrated by a white, slightly bloody or yellow discharge from the ear. Dry crusted material on the child's pillow is often a sign of a ruptured eardrum.
Don't get alarmed over a ruptured eardrum. Eardrum rupturing is the first sign of the healing process. Antibiotics, as prescribed by the doctor, can help prevent further infection during the healing process. Children will usually heal completely within a few weeks.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
To be safe, never put anything in the ear smaller than the tip of your little finger.
EAR INFECTIONS
Treat inflammation or infection as advised by your health care provider. Often, local treatment with ear drops is recommended.
EAR WAX
A gentle, warm water flush using a syringe (available at the drug store) can be helpful to remove packed-down ear wax. Do not attempt to remove impacted ear wax in very young children. If black and impacted ear wax can be easily seen and retrieved in older children, do so carefully. NEVER use sharp objects to attempt to remove wax.
INJURY
Seek medical help for injury from a foreign object, noises or pressure changes, head injury, or a suspected clotting or bleeding problem.
SWIMMER'S EAR
For swimmer's ear (unless the eardrum is perforated):
Putting a little mineral oil or baby oil in each ear before swimming may help prevent the problem.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and askThe physical examination will include a detailed examination of the ears. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include a culture (and cytology or cell studies) testing of drainage.
TREATMENT
Corticosteroid and antibiotic preparations that are placed in the ear canal may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics will usually be given if a ruptured eardrum is causing the discharge.
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to ear drainage, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Update Date: 5/6/2003 Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |