Drainage of the Ear

Ear drainage, otherwise known as discharge, is most commonly caused by ear wax. There are instances in which other substances drain from the ear, including blood, pus or other fluid. Ear discharge is not always a sign of a problem, but medical attention should be sought if you are unsure.

Cause

• Various stimuli can result in ear discharge, such as a ruptured eardrum, eczema in the ear canal and infections. Swimmer's ear and cancer can also cause ear drainage.

Precautions

• Ears are self-cleaning and normally do not require any additional care. Never insert any object into your ear canal, including cotton swabs.

See a Doctor

• See your doctor when the discharge is clear, yellow or bloody, or a result of an injury. If you are experiencing extreme pain or hearing loss, seek medical attention.

Diagnosis

• In order to ascertain the cause and makeup of the discharge, your doctor may take a sample of the substance and have a lab run tests.

Treatment

• Medications may be prescribed, such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, most of which are applied in the ear for maximum effectiveness. Ruptured eardrums are treated by oral antibiotics to prevent infection and assist in healing.