A symptom of infection in or damage to any of several parts of the ear. A discharge of blood or fluid from the ear following increasing pain and hearing loss may indicate a ruptured or perforated eardrum.
Also known as otorrhoea, ear discharge refers to the flow of fluid from the ear. This discharge can vary significantly, with some being watery or thick, clear or colored, without any odor or having a foul smell, and may occur intermittently or continuously.
Ear discharge can occur for various reasons. One common cause is an infection in the outer ear, while another possibility is the eardrum perforation, often resulting from a middle-ear infection. In rare cases, a skull fracture might lead to the discharge of cerebrospinal fluid or blood from the ear.
A sample of the discharge might be collected and sent to a laboratory for examination in order to determine the underlying cause of any infection. Additionally, auditory tests could be conducted. In case of a head injury or suspected severe middle-ear infection based on the symptoms, X-rays of the skull bones will be taken.
The approach to treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and typically involves the administration of antibiotic medications.