Ear Drainage: Types, Causes and Treatment

Overview

Have you ever wondered why your ear sometimes feels wet or sticky? It’s called otorrhea, a medical term that describes the liquid coming out of your ear due to various reasons. Yes, it can be quite discomforting and may come with symptoms such as dizziness, ringing in the ears, itching, fever, or pain. Well, that depends on the type of ear drainage you are experiencing and the cause of it.

Different types of ear drainage are categorized according to the substance coming out of your ear. If it’s pus, it’s called Purulent otorrhea; if it’s mucus, it’s called mucoid otorrhea. There are several other types as well. 

This blog will cover all aspects, including why fluid is coming out of your ears, other symptoms, how to treat ear drainage, and how to prevent ear drainage both initially and during treatment effectively. 

Why is fluid coming out of my ear?

Ear discharge, or any fluid coming out of the ear, is called “otorrhea” in medical terminology and can occur for several reasons, including infection, foreign objects such as an insect stuck in the ear canal, or a ruptured eardrum.

Sometimes, earwax buildup can also cause fluid to accumulate in your ear canal. When earwax starts to produce, it’s a thin, transparent liquid that becomes a hard buildup after entrapping dirt! This thin and clear fluid can also come out of your ear, which is, without a doubt, harmless and doesn’t indicate any underlying severe condition!

“While some ear discharge may seem harmless, others can indicate serious conditions like otitis media or even trauma to the ear. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term damage,” says Dr Richard Honekar.

Feeling a warm liquid coming out of your ear right after showering is considered normal and non-alarming, as water can get inside your ear during the shower. It subsides with time, and no consultation is needed until the ear discharge persists.

What causes fluid in the ear but no infection?

Fluid in the ear without any infection is referred to as otitis media with effusion (OME). 

Causes for OME could be : 

• Blocked Eustachian tubes.
• Drinking while lying down.
• Changes in air pressure. 

Along with the drainage from the ear, other symptoms that one can experience are:

• Muffled hearing.
• Ringing in the ears.
• The feeling of fullness.
• Rarely, balance issues followed by dizziness. 

The treatment options for OME involve surgical procedures that are prescribed based on the nature, cause, and severity of the condition. 

An interesting fact about OME is that it’s common in young children due to their shorter and less angled Eustachian tubes; adults who frequently fly or dive are also at a higher risk of developing OME. 

What are the types of ear discharge?

There are different types of otorrhea/ ear discharge, depending on the type of discharge that comes out of the ear. Some of the most prominent types are: 

•  Serous Otorrhea (discharge in the form of a serum-protein-rich liquid)
•  Prulent Otorrhea (Pus coming out of the ear)
•  Bloody Otorrhea (Discharge in the form of blood) 
•  Clear Otorrhea (Clear or transparent discharge coming out of the ear) 
•  Mucoid Otorrhea (mucus-containing discharge)

Ear discharge is most common in kids when playing, leading to injury or trauma, but it also affects adults! Sometimes, ear discharge is also observed in individuals/children who undergo ear tube placement surgery, and infection development occurs. To prevent this, healthcare providers prescribe antibiotic drops to be taken until the ear is fully healed and no ear discharge is observed. 

How do you get rid of fluid in the ear?

You can get rid of fluid in your ear according to the cause that leads to drainage. In cases of bacterial causes, antibiotics will be prescribed to you. For other causes, medications will be adjusted to treat the specific condition. 

Prescription Medication that treats ear drainage

1. Antibiotics:

Antibacterials, including amoxicillin, are prescribed to treat infections such as otitis media caused by bacteria in the ear, which can lead to ear drainage. It’s essential to complete the medication dose as prescribed to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.

2. Steroid Nasal Sprays:

Medications like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) can help reduce inflammation, and opening the Eustachian tubes can aid in draining fluid. Your healthcare provider can only determine the right choice of nasal sprays after diagnosing your medical condition. 

3. Antihistamine medication (Anti-allergy)

Prescription antihistamines, such as fexofenadine or cetirizine (Zyrtec), may be recommended for managing fluid buildup associated with allergies.

Over-the-counter Medications

Some over-the-counter medications that can treat ear drainage are : 

• Antihistamines can treat ear drainage and infection, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). 
• OTC decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can also treat ear drainage due to congestion caused by pressure changes. 
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also provide temporary relief from ear pain. However, do not use over-the-counter medications for more than three days. If the pain persists, contact an online doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a well-tailored prescription. 

Can fluid from the ear be prevented?

Yes, Fluid in the ear that comes out can be prevented by: 

• Avoid inserting objects like cotton buds or any other objects to reduce itching and prevent damage to your ear canal. It’s essential to get the help of professional cleaners for cleaning purposes. 
• Preventing children from inserting toys in their ears can help them avoid injury to their inner ear, which can lead to infection. Even during treatment, it’s crucial to prevent insertion to let the area heal properly.
• In cases of ear congestion, it is advisable to avoid swimming and air travel, as these activities can exacerbate congestion and potentially damage the eardrum, leading to ear drainage or fluid oozing from the ear.  
• Be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after showering or swimming to reduce the risk of infection. 

When to consult a doctor?

Ear drainage can be of different types, indicating different conditions. If the cause is only changes in pressure after swimming or showering, these are not concerning and will sometimes subside.

If the cause stems from a bacterial or viral infection, something gets stuck in the inner ear, or there is no infection at all. Still, fluid keeps coming out of your ear; it’s high time you consider online medical consultation and get the proper treatment effectively. You will get prescription drugs and treatment as per the nature and severity of your medical condition after a complete diagnosis.

FAQs about ear drainage