Why do I have fluid draining from my ear?
Why do I have fluid draining from my ear?
Ear drainage can occur for several reasons, including an ear infection, a ruptured eardrum, or an ear tube that causes fluid to drain. Ear discharge can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, especially if it occurs after a recent head injury.
Is drainage from ear tubes normal?
Do not worry: the drainage indicates that the tube is working to drain the infection from the middle ear space. Most children do not have pain or fever with an infection when the tube is in place and working. Ear drainage can be clear, cloudy or even bloody. There is no danger to hearing.
What does drainage from ear tubes look like?
When there is an opening in the ear drum from either an ear tube or a hole, called a perforation, you child may have drainage when there is an infection, called otorrhea. This drainage can be thin, watery, thick or look like mucous or pus. It may vary in color from clear to green or may even appear bloody.
How do you stop ear discharge naturally?
Apple cider vinegar with warm water ear drops
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with warm, not hot, water.
- Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe.
- Cover your ear with a cotton ball or clean cloth and lean on your side to let drops enter and sit in the ear.
How long does ear infection drainage last?
Middle ear infections often go away on their own within 2 or 3 days, even without any specific treatment. In some cases, an infection can last longer (with fluid in the middle ear for 6 weeks or longer), even after antibiotic treatment.
How do I get rid of discharge from ear infection?
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat ear fluid. The combination of a decongestant and an antihistamine can help reduce congestion. If this treatment is not effective, the doctor can place an ear tube through the middle ear to allow fluids to drain as usual.
What are the different types of ear drainage and discharge?
The most common type of drainage from the ear is earwax, which keeps the ear clean and healthy. Other types of drainage and discharge include blood, clear fluid, and pus. These may signal a ruptured eardrum or ear infection. Anyone who notices ear discharge after an injury to the head should seek medical attention straight away.
What does it mean when you have discharge from your ear?
Discharge from the ear can be a symptom of an infection. Earwax is normal drainage from the ear, and it can be white, yellow, or brown. The ears produce earwax to keep the ear clean and healthy and to protect it from infection. If earwax mixes with water, for example, when someone bathes or swims, it can look like runny discharge.
Can an ear infection cause ear drainage?
There are other situations, when the eardrum is compromised, that can cause ear drainage. A severe inner ear infection can actually rupture the eardrum. If you have increasing pain and fever with ear pain, then a bloody discharge associated with lessening of pain, this maybe a possible sign of a ruptured eardrum.
When should you seek medical treatment for ear drainage?
If ear drainage that seems normal continues for weeks or months, it is best to seek medical treatment to rule out infection and other conditions.
