Otorrhea is the medical term for the discharge of fluid from the ear, which can be an indicator of various underlying conditions. The nature of the discharge can vary, being clear, cloudy, purulent, or bloody, and often provides clues about its cause. Otorrhea can be associated with symptoms such as ear pain, itching, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. The causes of otorrhea are diverse. Infectious causes are common and include otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, which is an infection of the outer ear canal typically caused by bacteria or fungi. This condition often results in thick, cloudy, or pus-filled discharge. Otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, can be acute or chronic. Acute otitis media may present with purulent discharge if the eardrum ruptures, while chronic otitis media can lead to persistent discharge that may be foul-smelling. Chronic ear infections can also cause ongoing discharge. Inflammatory causes include allergic reactions and dermatitis, which can lead to watery or mucous discharge due to inflammation and irritation of the ear canal. Conditions such as eczema affecting the ear canal can also contribute to discharge. Other factors include trauma to the ear canal or tympanic membrane, foreign bodies lodged in the ear, and cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that causes chronic infection and often results in a foul-smelling discharge.
Diagnosis of otorrhea involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, often including otoscopy to inspect the ear canal and eardrum. In some cases, cultures of the discharge may be taken to identify bacterial or fungal infections. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For infections, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed. Inflammatory conditions are managed by addressing allergies or dermatologic issues with appropriate topical treatments. If the discharge is due to trauma or foreign bodies, removing the object and treating any resulting damage is necessary. Persistent otorrhea should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, and to prevent complications.
