Ear Discharge — more than a passing infection.

Overview

Discharge from the ear (otorrhoea) describes any fluid coming out of the ear canal. The colour, smell, and pattern tell us a lot: clear watery fluid suggests an outer-ear inflammation or, rarely, a CSF leak; thick yellow-green pus points to bacterial infection; cheesy white debris is typical of fungal otitis externa; bloody discharge raises concern for trauma or polyps.

A safe rule: discharge that lasts more than a week, that smells foul, or that follows trauma should always be examined.

Symptoms

• Visible fluid leaking from the ear
• A wet or sticky feeling in the canal
• Reduced hearing on the affected side
• Pain, itching, or a feeling of pressure
• Foul or musty odour, sometimes only noticed by others

Common Causes

• Otitis externa — outer-ear infection, often after water exposure
• Otitis media with a perforated drum
• Fungal infection of the canal (otomycosis)
• Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)
• Foreign body or trauma

Treatment Options

• Aural toilet — gentle microsuction to clear the canal
• Topical antibiotic or antifungal drops
• Oral antibiotics when infection extends beyond the canal
• Surgical repair (myringoplasty / tympanoplasty) for persistent perforations

When to See an ENT

See an ENT if the discharge persists beyond a week, if there is hearing loss, fever, severe pain, or if discharge keeps coming back. Children with recurrent discharge should always be assessed — long-standing infections can damage the middle ear if untreated.