Ear discharges/bleeding

Alternative names:

drainage from the ear; otorrhea

Definition:

Drainage from the ear; the involuntary exodus of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear.

Considerations:

Ear wax accounts for most ear discharges. However, they 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 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 an indication 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:

• Swimmer's ear
  • usually accompanied by itching, scaling, a red or moist ear canal and pain increased by moving the ear lobe

• inflammation or infection
  • otitis externa
  • otitis media
  • otitis externa; chronic
  • otitis externa; malignant
  • mastoiditis,
  • otitis media; chronic

• injury from a blow to the head, foreign object, very loud noises, or sudden pressure changes such as in airplanes; resulting in a ruptured or perforated eardrum
• eczema or some other skin irritation in the ear canal which can cause some bleeding

Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.