Ear discharges or bleeding

Alternative names

Drainage from the ear; Otorrhea

Definition

An ear discharge is drainage of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear.

Considerations

Ear wax accounts for most ear discharges. However, discharges 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 cleaning is 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 a sign 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:
  o otitis externa
  o otitis externa - chronic
  o otitis externa - malignant
  o otitis media
  o otitis media - chronic
  o mastoiditis
  
• 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 and other skin irritations in the ear canal can cause some bleeding
  

Home Care

To be safe, never put anything in the ear smaller than the tip of your little finger.

EAR INFECTIONS

Treat inflammation or infection as advised by your health care provider. Often, local treatment with ear drops is recommended.

EAR WAX

A gentle, warm water flush using a syringe (available at the drug store) can be helpful to remove packed-down ear wax. Do not attempt to remove impacted ear wax in very young children. If black and impacted ear wax can be easily seen and retrieved in older children, do so carefully. NEVER use sharp objects to attempt to remove wax.

INJURY