The discharge of fluid from the ear must be by no means harmless. If the amount exceeds normal, a serious condition must be considered. Ear discharge or otorrhea is characteristic of a number of conditions that require treatment.
What is ear discharge?
Ear discharge (otorrhea) generally refers to the discharge of fluid from the ear. This can be fluid of varying consistency and color. Ear flow (otorrhea) generally refers to the discharge of fluid from the ear. It can be fluid of different consistency and color. This color and the expression of the fluid can be indicative of the actual cause of otorrhea. These include, first of all, inflammation of the outer ear, as well as inflammation of the middle ear or even fistula formation. In addition, cholesteatoma and temporal bone fracture are other causes of otorrhea.
Causes
When ear discharge occurs with external inflammation, it is usually a skin reaction to jewelry or personal care products and hearing aids. The cartilage of the ear is not affected, so the usually clear secretion is also formed only in the outer ear. In addition, there is usually redness with itching and swelling. In the case of fistula formation, which can occur after operations or injuries as well as in the case of malformations of the ear, the parotid gland is also affected. There is a permanent ear discharge. In turn, an existing middle ear infection with ear flow indicates a rupture of the eardrum. The draining purulent secretion formed in the course of the inflammation behind the eardrum and can now drain to the outside. The stabbing earache subsides immediately. In cholesteatoma, there is a permanent inflammation of the bone. Foul-smelling ear discharge from the middle ear is characteristic of this serious disease of the ear. Ear discharge may also occur after a skull base fracture of the petrous bone.
Diseases with this symptom
- Otitis media
- Cholesteatoma
- Skull base fracture
Diagnosis and course
Based on the ear flow and accompanying symptoms, an otolaryngologist can quickly assess which disease is causing the symptoms. In the case of inflammation of the outer ear, this is easiest because an inspection of the affected area is sufficient to make the diagnosis. Fistula formation is also easy to detect by examining the ear. In this case, patients find the constant ear discharge particularly bothersome. A middle ear infection is detected with an otoscopy. Via the complaints reported by the patient and the clinical picture that the doctor can see, the diagnosis can be made beyond doubt. If a middle ear infection is not treated, it can turn into an inflammation of the surrounding bones of the ear (mastoiditis). In the case of cholesteatoma, the diagnosis is made via a hearing test as well as examination of the ear via otoscopy. Hearing ability is often decreased. The fracture of the petrous bone may have occurred transversely or longitudinally and is always a result of an accident or fall. In most cases, there is concussion or other brain injuries in addition to ear flow.
Complications
A flow in the ears (otorrhea) has the most different causes with the most different complications. The most common causes are inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear (otitis externa). One of the most common complications of otitis media is additional inflammation of the mastoid process (mastoiditis), which is especially common in children. This results in severe, reddened swelling behind the auricle. In addition, the inflammation can also spread to the inner ear, and the affected person suffers from dizziness and hearing loss. Another common complication is paralysis of the facial nerve, the nerve responsible for the facial muscles. This results in corresponding paralysis symptoms, a drooping eye and corners of the mouth. In addition, an inflammation of the middle ear can also spread to the brain, resulting in meningitis and encephalitis, which can lead to abscesses. In the case of an inflammation of the outer ear, complications are also possible but rather rare. More frequently, the inflammation spreads to the surrounding soft tissue.The eardrum can also be affected, it can also become inflamed and in the worst case rupture, the affected person no longer perceives sounds properly in this ear. Furthermore, chronic inflammation of the middle ear that can spread to the bone (cholesteatoma) can also cause similar complications.
When should you go to the doctor?
Ear discharge usually occurs in association with an infection located inside the ear. As soon as a purulent fluid leaks from the ear, then an ENT doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Only with the help of a doctor it is possible to prevent various complications that may occur later on. An infection in the ear is usually accompanied by other symptoms, but these can be alleviated with appropriate medication. These include headache, fever, chills, nausea or even vomiting. Those who wish to avoid the complications just mentioned should see a doctor at the first signs. With the right treatment and appropriate medication, any symptoms that occur can be treated very well and effectively. In general, therefore, the following applies: Anyone who notices a purulent discharge from their own ear should not put off a visit to the ENT doctor. Alternatively, the family doctor can also be consulted. A doctor will prescribe effective medication to the affected person, which will alleviate and subside any inflammation present.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of ear discharge in inflammation of the external ear usually involves ointments that provide relief, as well as omission of the triggering care products or jewelry. Fistulas can be treated surgically. However, in the case of fistulas caused by inherited malformations, a time can be waited that is favorable for the patient. For otitis media, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. To determine an effective drug, the pathogen is determined beforehand, if necessary. The treatment of cholesteatoma, on the other hand, is more complex. In order to prevent the spread of the inflammation and thus the destruction of other bony components of the ear, this disease must always be treated surgically. Attempts are made to restore the eardrum and reconstruct the ossicles. After this treatment, hearing is regained by many patients. Antibiotics are prescribed to heal the inflammation. Treatment of a petrous bone fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. From bed rest to surgery for the fracture, there is a wide range for the treating physician for this cause of ear discharge. However, antibiotics are also prescribed in this case to rule out inflammation.
Outlook and prognosis
Leakage of fluid from the ear usually indicates inflammation, which should always be examined and treated by an appropriate physician. An accurate outlook and prognosis depends on whether the affected person seeks medical treatment or forgoes it altogether. If the affected person does not seek medical and drug treatment, then he/she is taking a great risk. At the beginning, there is a stabbing earache accompanied by the said fluid leakage. Not infrequently, various cold symptoms such as cold, cough, headache, chills or even fever are added. The pus formation increases, so that in the worst case even consequential damages can remain. For this reason, the family doctor or an appropriate ENT specialist should be consulted at the first signs of such a middle ear infection. Those who seek medical treatment at an early stage can avoid the above-mentioned clinical pictures at an early stage or treat them effectively. A doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to the patient, which will act against the discharge on the ear. There is a significant improvement in well-being within two to three days. Thus, the following applies: anyone suffering from a purulent discharge from the ear should see a doctor early enough. Otherwise, a harmless middle ear infection can develop into a severe infection that can last for several weeks.
Prevention
Due to the variety of diseases that cause ear discharge, there are no general measures for prevention. However, in the case of prolonged ear pain, as well as after accidents and falls, a doctor should always be consulted in order to prevent ear discharge from developing in the first place, if possible.
You can do it yourself
Prolonged ear discharge indicates an inflammation in the inner ear and should always be clarified by a doctor. The discomfort can be alleviated concomitantly with the help of various home remedies and measures. Against ear flow with inflammation helps the omission of the jewelry or the causal care products. In case of severe discomfort, ear drops or painkillers can also be used. The ear should be washed at regular intervals with clear water or chamomile tea to flush out fluid and possible pathogens. In addition, bed rest and keeping the ears warm have proven especially effective. Preventive measures are also effective for ear discharge. Those who frequently suffer from such complaints should spare the ear canals and thoroughly clean and dry the ears after bathing. All manipulations of the ear canal should be avoided, such as inserting cotton swabs or a finger to stop ear discharge. If there is fluid in the ear, it should be removed by tilting the head or using an ear candle. Over-the-counter ear drops help with ear discharge resulting from bath otitis. If symptoms persist for more than three to four days, a doctor should be consulted immediately.