Ear flow (otorrhea)

The leakage of fluid from the ear does not have to be harmless. If the amount goes beyond normal, a serious illness must be considered. Ear flow or Otorrhea is characteristic of a number of conditions that require treatment.

What is ear flow

Ear flow (otorrhea) generally refers to the leakage of fluid from the ear. This can be liquid of different consistency and color.

Ear flow (otorrhea) generally refers to the leakage of fluid from the ear. This can be liquid of different consistency and color. This color and the characteristics of the fluid can point the way to the actual cause of otorrhea.

These include inflammation of the outer ear as well as otitis media or fistula formation. In addition, the cholesteatoma and the petrous bone fracture are further causes of ear flow.

causes

If ear flow occurs with an external inflammation, it is usually a skin reaction to jewelry or care products and hearing aids. The ear cartilage is not affected, so that the mostly clear secretion is only formed in the outer ear.

In addition, there is usually reddening with itching and swelling. The parotid gland is also affected in the case of a fistula formation, which can arise after operations or injuries, as well as malformations of the ear. There is a permanent ear flow. An existing otitis media with ear flow indicates a tear in the eardrum.

The outflowing purulent secretion formed behind the eardrum during the course of the inflammation and can now flow outwards. The stabbing earache subsides immediately. Cholesteatoma is a permanent inflammation of the bone. The foul-smelling ear flow from the middle ear is characteristic of this serious disease of the ear. Even after a skull base fracture, the fracture of the temporal bone can lead to ear flow.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for earache and inflammation

Diseases with this symptom

• Otitis media

• Cholesteatoma

• Skull base fracture

Diagnosis & course

Based on the ear flow and the accompanying symptoms, an ENT doctor can quickly assess which disease is causing the symptoms. This is easiest in the case of inflammation of the outer ear, because an inspection of the affected area is sufficient for a diagnosis.

A fistula formation can also be easily recognized by examining the ear. Here the patients find the constant flow of ears particularly disturbing. An otitis media is recognized with an otoscopy. The diagnosis can be made unequivocally based on the complaints reported by the patient and the clinical picture that the doctor can see. If left untreated, otitis media can turn into inflammation of the bones around the ear (mastoiditis).

In the case of cholesteatoma, the diagnosis is made via a hearing test and an examination of the ear using an otoscope. Hearing is often degraded. The fracture of the petrous bone can be transverse or longitudinal and is always the result of an accident or a fall. In addition to the ear flow, there is usually a concussion or other brain injuries.

Complications

Ear flow (otorrhea) has a wide variety of causes with a wide variety of complications. The most common causes are inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) or the outer ear (otitis externa). One of the most common complications of otitis media is additional inflammation of the mastoid process (mastoiditis), which is especially the case in children.

There is a strong, reddened swelling behind the auricle. In addition, the inflammation can also spread to the inner ear, causing the affected person to suffer from dizziness and hearing loss. Another common complication is paralysis of the facial nerve, the nerve that is responsible for the muscles of the face. This leads to corresponding symptoms of paralysis, a drooping eye and corners of the mouth.

In addition, otitis media can spread to the brain, leading to meningitis and encephalitis (meningitis or encephalitis), which can lead to abscesses. If the outer ear is inflamed, the complications are also possible, but less common. The inflammation often spreads to the surrounding soft tissue.

The eardrum can also be affected, it can also become inflamed and, in the worst case, tear, the affected person no longer perceives sounds in this ear properly. Furthermore, chronic inflammation of the middle ear that can spread to the bones (cholesteatoma) can also cause similar complications.

When should you go to the doctor?

Ear flow is usually associated with an infection that is inside the ear. As soon as a purulent fluid leaks from the ear, an ENT specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Various complications that may arise later on can only be prevented with the help of a doctor. An infection in the ear is usually accompanied by other symptoms, but these can be relieved with appropriate medication. These include headaches, fever, chills, nausea or vomiting.

If you want to avoid the complications just mentioned, you should consult a doctor at the first sign. With the right treatment and appropriate medication, all symptoms can be treated very well and effectively.

In general, the following applies: If you notice a purulent discharge from your own ear, you shouldn't put off a visit to the ENT doctor.Alternatively, you can also go to your family doctor. A doctor will prescribe medication that is effective for reducing inflammation and relieving it.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

For the treatment of ear flow in inflammation of the outer ear, ointments are usually used, which provide relief and the omission of the triggering care products or jewelry. Fistulas can be treated surgically. In the case of fistulas due to inherited malformations, however, a time that is favorable for the patient can be waited for.

The doctor prescribes antibiotics for an otitis media. In order to determine an effective drug, the pathogen may be determined beforehand. The treatment of cholesteatoma, however, is more complex. In order to prevent the spread of the inflammation and thus the destruction of other bony components of the ear, this disease must always be treated surgically. Attempts are made to restore the eardrum and reconstruct the ossicles.

After this treatment, many patients regain their hearing. Antibiotics are prescribed to heal the inflammation. Treatment of a temporal bone fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. From bed rest to the operation of the fracture, there is a great deal of leeway for the treating doctor with this cause of ear flow. In order to rule out inflammation, however, antibiotics are also prescribed here.

Outlook & forecast

Leakage of fluid from the ear usually indicates inflammation, which should always be examined and treated by an appropriate doctor. An exact outlook and prognosis depend on whether the person concerned seeks medical treatment or refrains from it altogether. If the person concerned does not seek medical or drug treatment, then they run a great risk.

At the beginning there is a sharp earache, which is accompanied by the aforementioned leakage of fluid. Not infrequently, various cold symptoms such as runny nose, cough, headache, chills or fever are added. The formation of pus increases, so that in the worst case, consequential damage can persist. For this reason, the family doctor or an appropriate ENT doctor should be consulted at the first signs of such an otitis media. Those who seek medical treatment at an early stage can avoid the above-mentioned clinical pictures early or treat them effectively.

A doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs that work against the discharge on the ear. There is a significant improvement in wellbeing within two to three days. So: Anyone who suffers from a purulent discharge from the ear should consult a doctor early enough. Otherwise, a harmless otitis media can develop into a serious infection that can last for several weeks.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for earache and inflammation

prevention

Due to the large number of diseases that cause ear flow, there are no general measures for prevention. However, in the case of persistent ear pain, as well as after accidents and falls, a doctor should always be consulted in order to avoid ear flow in the first place.

You can do that yourself

Prolonged ear flow indicates inflammation in the inner ear and should always be clarified by a doctor. The symptoms can be alleviated with the help of various home remedies and measures. Leaving out the jewelry or the care products that caused it helps against ear flow in the case of inflammation. Ear drops or painkillers can also be used for severe symptoms.

The ear should be washed at regular intervals with clear water or chamomile tea to rinse out fluid and possible pathogens. In addition, bed rest and keeping the ears warm have proven effective. Preventive measures are also effective with ear flow. If you suffer from such complaints more often, you should protect your ear canals and clean and dry your ears thoroughly after bathing. All manipulation of the ear canal should be avoided, such as inserting cotton swabs or a finger to stop the ear flow.

If there is fluid in the ear, it should be removed by tilting the head or using an ear candle. Over-the-counter ear drops help with ear flow caused by bath otitis. If the symptoms persist for more than three to four days, a doctor should be consulted immediately.