Definition – What is meant by pus in the ear?
Pus – also known as pus in medicine – occurs primarily in bacterial infections of the ear, but can of course also occur in any other infected part of the body (such as skin or wounds). Some bacteria cause particularly severe pus formation. Pus consists mainly of proteins and decomposed tissue.
The tissue decay is caused by enzymes of the bacteria and by the white blood cells like granulocytes. The white blood cells and the bacteria – both living and dead – are therefore also in the pus. Normally, pus has a whitish-yellow color. In some cases a little blood may be added.
Causes for pus in the ear
Various parts of the ear can be infected and thus the origin of the pus in the ear. The inflammation of the ear, which leads to the formation of pus, is in most cases caused by bacteria. If the infection is caused by viruses or fungi, pus only occurs if a superinfection with bacteria occurs during the course of the disease.
- On the one hand, this can lead to an inflammation of the external auditory canal (otitis externa). This often leads to visible discharge of pus.
- On the other hand, an infection of the middle ear (otitis media) can also lead to the formation of pus and, if the eardrum is also injured, can cause suppuration from the ear.
- An inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis), which can also develop from an inflammation of the middle ear, is often accompanied by the formation of pus.
- Infected injuries or foreign bodies can also cause a purulent infection.
- Another cause of pus can be pimples or boils (abscess).
A purulent middle ear inflammation occurs particularly in the winter months. It usually develops from an ascending infection of the upper respiratory tract.
This is why children are mainly affected, as the mouth/ear connection (auditory tube or tuba auditiva) is shorter. Middle ear infections are often triggered by mixed viral and bacterial infections. If a bacterial infection occurs, pus can also form in the middle ear. The pus flows out of the ear if the eardrum ruptures or if the inflammation spreads to the external auditory canal. The tear in the eardrum usually closes again within 1-2 weeks.
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