Secretion in the ear: 7 main causes and how to treat

The secretion of fluid in the ear can arise from various situations such as an infection in the internal or external ear, injuries in the head or in the eardrum and even due to the presence of foreign objects inside the ear.

The appearance of the secretion will depend on what the cause is, but generally it has a transparent, yellow or white color, accompanied by a bad odor when it is caused by bacteria or red if it is accompanied by blood. However, before the appearance of any suppuration by odour, it is important to consult the otorhinolaryngologist, so that an evaluation is carried out to determine the cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment, if necessary.

1. Otitis media

Otitis media or internal, is an inflammation caused by a virus, bacteria or in more rare cases, by fungi, trauma or allergies, which can give rise to an infection, with manifestation of signs and symptoms such as ear pain, release of yellow secretion the blanquecina with bad odor, loss of hearing and fever. Learn more about secretory otitis media.

The otitis media is more common in babies and children, in these cases it can be more difficult to identify the symptoms. In this way, if the baby has a fever, is irritated or if he takes the hand to the ear with frequency, it can be a sign of otitis, so it is important to consult the pediatrician.

how to treat: the treatment consists of the administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs such as dipyrone and ibuprofen, to relieve symptoms. In case of a bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, for example.

2. Foreign bodies

Extraneous objects may be lodged inside the house accidentally or intentionally in the case of children. Normally, objects that get clogged in the soil can be small balls, buttons, insects or food, which can cause pain, start and release secretion in the soil.

How to treat: the treatment consists in the removal of the extra body by a health professional, being able to use a suction machine. In more serious cases, surgery can be used.

3. Otitis externa

External otitis is an infection of a region of the ear canal, which is located between the external part of the ear and the eardrum, causing symptoms such as pain and itching in the area, fever and release of a white or yellowish secretion with bad odor. The most common causes can be exposure to heat, humidity and the use of cotton swabs that contribute to the proliferation of bacteria in the ear.

How to treat: the treatment of external otitis consists of cleaning the ear canal with physiological suero or alcoholic solutions and the application of topical medications for infection and inflammation, and antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin and ciprofloxacin, for example.

If there is perforation of the tympanic membrane, it may be necessary to use other medications. As ear infections can cause pain and inflammation, the otolaryngologist can also advise taking painkillers such as dipyrone, paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

4. Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis consists of a prominent inflammation of the ear, which is located behind the ear, the mastoid bone, which can occur due to a complication of a poorly treated ear, when the bacteria spread from the ear to the ear. This inflammation causes symptoms such as reddening, swelling and pain around the ear, in addition to fever and yellowish secretion. In more serious cases, an abscess can form or the destruction of the skin can occur. Know more about mastoiditis.

how to treat: Generally, the treatment is carried out with the use of intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone and vancomycin, for 2 weeks. In more serious situations, if an abscess forms or if there are no improvements with the use of antibiotics, drainage of the secretion may be necessary through a procedure called myringotomy and even opening of the mastoid.

5. Injury to the head

Serious head injuries, such as a shock or a skull fracture, can also cause secretions in the ear, usually with blood.

How to treat: These types of injuries in the head are medical emergencies, so if they occur, you should immediately go to the doctor.

6. Eardrum perforation

The perforation of the tympanum, which is a thin film that separates the internal from the external ear, can cause pain and swelling in the ear, decrease in hearing or bleeding and release other secretions through the ear canal.

The signs and symptoms that may occur during a perforation of the tympanic membrane are puncture and intense ear pain, tinnitus (tinnitus) and release of yellowish secretion (otorrea), which may also occur with seas and vertigo.

how to treat: normally a small perforation, it heals only in a few weeks for up to 2 months, it is recommended during this period to cover the ear before taking a bath and avoid going to the beach or the swimming pool.

In some cases, especially if the perforation was large, antibiotics may be recommended, such as the combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. In more serious cases it may be necessary to resort to surgery. See more about the treatment.

7. Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma consists of a cancerous growth of the skin in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, which is usually caused by repeated infections of the ear, although it can be a birth alteration.

Initially, a fluid with a bad odor can be released, but if it continues to grow, pressure can be felt in the ear, causing some discomfort, which can give rise to more serious problems, such as the destruction of the eyes of the middle ear, affecting the hearing, balance and functioning of facial muscles.

how to treat: The only way to treat this problem is through surgery, in order to prevent more serious complications. After this, the condition must be periodically evaluated to avoid the appearance of cholesteatoma again..