Otorrhea – colloquially known as ear flow – (ICD-10-GM H92.1: Otorrhea) is a condition in which fluid leaks from the ear. The consistency is thin or viscous; odor and color depend on the cause.
Common causes of otorrhea are otitis media (middle ear infection) and otitis externa (ear canal infection).
Otorrhea can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: The course and prognosis depend on the cause of the disease. Medical evaluation is required.
