Do you find yourself experiencing fluid or discharge from your ear canal? This symptom, known as ear drainage, can be unsettling, but understanding its causes and available treatments can help alleviate concerns and promote ear health. Let’s explore the various factors contributing to ear drainage and the treatment options available.
What Does Ear Drainage Look Like?
Ear drainage can vary in look and smell. It may range from odorless to foul smelling and may be clear, yellowish or green. Though ear drainage can present on its own, other symptoms may accompany it, including:
- Ear pain
- Ringing in the ear
- Itching
Some people develop more serious symptoms, including fever, hearing loss, redness of the skin around your ear, vertigo or difficulty swallowing, speaking or seeing.
Causes of Ear Drainage
Several factors can lead to ear drainage, including:
- Ear infections. Infections in the ear, often stemming from issues with the Eustachian tube, can result in fluid buildup behind the eardrum. When this fluid becomes infected, it may lead to a ruptured eardrum and subsequent drainage.
- Swimmer’s ear. Prolonged exposure to water or excess moisture in the ear canal can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, causing swimmer’s ear. This condition may lead to inflammation and discharge from the ear. You can reduce your risk of swimmer’s ear by wearing earplugs in the water and avoiding contaminated swimming areas.
- Injury or trauma. Any trauma to the ear, such as a blow to the head from a game of basketball at Brown’s Meadow Park or the introduction of foreign objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal, can cause damage to the eardrum, resulting in drainage.
Less common causes of ear drainage may include cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth behind the eardrum), a fracture at the base of your skull and cancer in the ear canal.
Treatments for Ear Drainage
Treatment for ear drainage depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatment options include:
- Antibiotics. If the ear drainage is due to an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria causing the issue. These medications help clear up the infection and reduce inflammation.
- Ear drops. Medicated ear drops can effectively treat conditions like swimmer’s ear or ear infections. These drops contain ingredients that help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Surgical intervention. In cases where the eardrum is ruptured, or there is significant damage to the ear, surgical procedures may be necessary. These procedures involve repairing the eardrum or addressing underlying issues contributing to the drainage.
If you are experiencing ear drainage or other symptoms of an infection or ear trauma, contact South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.