Overview
Have you ever wondered why your ear sometimes feels wet or sticky? It’s called otorrhea, a medical term to describe the liquid coming out of your ear due to multiple reasons. Yes, It can be pretty discomforting and might come with symptoms like dizziness, ringing in your ears, itching, fever, or pain. Well, that depends on the type of ear drainage you are experiencing and why it has been caused.
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 the aspects, including why fluid is coming out of your ears, the other symptoms, how to treat ear drainage, and how to effectively prevent ear drainage in the first place and during treatment.
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 like an insect stuck in the ear canal, an infection, or a ruptured eardrum.
Sometimes, earwax buildup can also cause fluid to come out of 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 the shower is considered normal—non-alarming, as the water gets inside your ear when you 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 called 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 according to the nature, cause, and severity of OME.
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 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 from 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 get ear tube placement surgery, and infection development occurs. For this to not happen, healthcare providers provide antibiotic drops that are advised to take until it 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 case of bacterial causes, Antibacterials will be prescribed to you, and in case of 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 like otitis media caused by bacteria in the ear, which eventually causes ear drainage. It’s essential to complete the medication dose until it’s prescribed to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.
2. Steroid Nasal Sprays:
Medications like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) can reduce inflammation, and Eustachian tubes can be opened to help drain fluid. Your healthcare provider can only determine the right choice of nasal sprays after diagnosing your medical condition.
3. Antihistamines medication (Anti-allergy)
Prescription antihistamines, such as fexofenadine or cetirizine (Zyrtec), may be recommended for fluid buildup due to 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 temporarily treat 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 object 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 ears, which can cause an infection. Even during treatment, it’s important to avoid insertion to let the area heal properly.
- In case of ear congestion, it is good to avoid swimming and air travel, as these scenarios can worsen congestion and affect the eardrum, which has the potential to cause ear drainage or fluid oozing out of the ear.
- Make sure to dry your ears properly after the shower or swimming to reduce the risk of an 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 subside sometimes.
If the cause stems from a bacterial or viral infection, something gets stuck in the inner ear, or there is no infection. Still, fluid keeps coming out of your ear; it’s high time you consider 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
Ear bleeding with no pain can indicate infection, trauma (injury), or, in rare cases, ear cancer. It’s essential to get a medical consultation to discuss your medical condition with your healthcare provider to get the proper treatment at the right time.
Ear drainage can indicate an infection in the ear canal or any foreign object entering the ear. This condition is considered severe and requires medical consultation and prescription medications to get complete treatment.
In case of trauma (injury) or bleeding due to insertion, it can also be severe and needs prompt medical attention for the cure and preventive measures.
Yes. If your ear is draining for any reason, it’s essential to get professional help to get a clear picture of the cause, an effective/well-tailored prescription, and preventive measures.
