Ear discharge
Alternate Names : Drainage from the ear, Otorrhea, Ear bleeding, Bleeding from ear
Definition
Ear discharge is drainage of blood, ear wax, pus, or fluid from the ear.
Overview & Considerations
Most of the time, any fluid leaking out of an ear is ear wax. However, discharge may also be caused by a minor irritation or infection. A ruptured eardrum can cause a white, slightly bloody, or yellow discharge from the ear. Dry crusted material on a child's pillow is often a sign of a ruptured eardrum.
Bleeding from the ear may also be due to: - Cancer
- Foreign object in the ear canal
- Injury
Common Causes
- Eczema and other skin irritations in the ear canal
- Inflammation or infection:
- Injury from a blow to the head, foreign object, very loud noises, or sudden pressure changes (such as in airplanes), resulting in a ruptured or perforated eardrum
- Swimmer's ear -- usually accompanied by itching, scaling, a red or moist ear canal and pain that increases when you move the ear lobe
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