Mr Tarun Sood

What is Ear discharge?
Ear discharge, also known as otorrhoea, refers to any pus like fluid that comes out of the ear. It can vary in colour, consistency, and odour, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, itching, hearing loss, or fever. Ear discharge can be caused by various factors

What can cause Ear discharge?

1. Ear Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections of the ear can lead to discharge. This often occurs in conditions such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection/swimmer’s ear).
2. Trauma or Injury: Injury to the ear canal or eardrum can result in discharge. This may happen due to inserting objects into the ear or trauma from accidents.
3. Swimmer’s Ear: Prolonged exposure to moisture in the ear canal, such as from swimming or bathing, can lead to inflammation and infection, causing discharge.
4. Foreign Bodies: Objects lodged in the ear can cause irritation and infection, leading to discharge.
5. Cholesteatoma: This is a noncancerous growth of skin cells in the middle ear behind the eardrum. It can cause chronic ear infections and discharge.
6. Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the ear, resulting in discharge.
7. Skin Conditions: Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can affect the skin of the ear canal, leading to irritation and discharge.
8. Tumours: Although less common, tumours in the ear or adjacent structures can cause discharge.

What should I do if I have ear discharge?

If you or someone you know is experiencing ear discharge, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the discharge, which may involve antibiotics, antifungal medications, ear drops, cleaning the ear canal, or other interventions as deemed necessary by a healthcare professional. Avoid attempting to clean the ear canal yourself, especially if there is a possibility of injury or infection, and refrain from inserting objects into the ear.

What will happen in the consultation of ear discharge complaint?

The consultation will often start with the specialist taking a detailed medical history. This includes asking about any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as hearing loss, ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). They may also inquire about any past medical conditions, surgeries, or medications that could be relevant to your ear health. ENT Specialist will then perform a physical examination of your ears. This may involve using an otoscope to look inside your ear canals to check for signs of infection, blockages, or other abnormalities. They may also examine your eardrums for any signs of damage or fluid buildup. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the specialist may conduct or ask audiologist to do hearing tests to assess your hearing abilities. These tests can help determine the type and degree of any hearing loss you may have. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to further evaluate your ear condition. This could include imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to get a more detailed view of the structures inside your ears. Based on the findings from the medical history, physical examination, and any diagnostic tests, the otolaryngologist will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. This may involve medications, such as antibiotics for an ear infection, or other treatments such as earwax removal, hearing aids, or surgery for more serious conditions like chronic ear infections or hearing loss. This will be accompanied by education and counselling regarding your ear condition and treatment options.

Depending on the nature of your ear condition and the treatment plan, you may be scheduled for surgery and/or follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.