Otorrhea: what it is, main causes and what to do

Otorrhea means the presence of secretion in the ear canal, being more frequent in children as a result of ear infection. Although it is normally considered a benign situation, it is important that the person goes to the otorhino so that the tests are done to identify the cause of the otorrhea and start the appropriate treatment.

The treatment of otorrhea indicated by the doctor depends on the cause, and the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended, in addition to antibiotics if the infection by bacteria has been confirmed.

Main causes

The characteristics of otorrhea vary according to its cause, and the secretion may appear in greater or lesser quantity, be yellowish, green, red or whitish in color and have different consistencies. The main causes of otorrhea are:

1. Otitis externa

Otitis externa corresponds to inflammation between the outside of the ear and the eardrum, with otorrhea, pain, itching in the region and fever. This type of inflammation can happen as a consequence of exposure to heat and humidity or due to the use of cotton swabs. Know other causes of otitis externa.

What to do: In this case, it is recommended that the ear canal be protected when bathing or entering swimming pools, avoiding the use of cotton swabs, in addition to the use of medicines that must be applied to the ear that have anti-inflammatory properties. -inflammatory.

2. Acute otitis media

Acute otitis media is inflammation of the ear caused by viruses or bacteria, leading to the appearance of yellowish or whitish discharge, earache, fever and difficulty hearing. In the case of a baby, it is also possible for the baby to cry constantly and to put his hand several times to his ear.

What to do: It is important to go to the doctor as soon as the symptoms of otitis appear for an evaluation to be made and the appropriate treatment is indicated, which can be done with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the symptoms, in addition to also being able to be antibiotics are recommended if there is confirmation that it is inflammation by bacteria. See more about treatment for otitis media.

3. Chronic otitis media

Just like acute otitis media, chronic otitis media can also be caused by viruses and bacteria, however the symptoms are more frequent, the secretion is persistent and most of the time the perforation of the eardrum is also verified and, because of that, bleeding, pain and itching in the ear can also be identified.

What to do: Consultation with an otolaryngologist is essential so that otitis is identified and complications can be avoided. If a perforation in the eardrum is identified, it is important that the person takes some special measures until the eardrum is completely regenerated. In the case that it is verified by the doctor that there are signs of infection by bacteria, the use of antibiotics may be indicated. Know what to do in case of perforated eardrum.

4. Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma corresponds to the abnormal growth of tissue behind the eardrum that can be congenital, when the child is born with this alteration, or acquired, in which it happens due to repeated ear infections. The initial symptom of cholesteatoma is the presence of secretion in the external ear canal and, as the tissue grows, other symptoms appear, such as pressure in the ear, decreased hearing capacity and altered balance. Here's how to identify cholesteatoma.

What to do: In this case, the treatment consists of performing surgery to remove excess tissue, making it possible to avoid complications. After surgery, it is important that the person returns to the doctor regularly to assess whether there is a risk of the tissue growing again.

5. Fracture in the skull

Fracture in the skull is also one of the causes of otorrhea, and the discharge is usually accompanied by blood. In addition to otorrhea, in the case of a skull fracture it is common for swelling and bruise to appear, which corresponds to the purple spots that may appear and are indicative of bleeding.

What to do: The skull fracture is a medical emergency and, therefore, it is important that the person is immediately referred to the hospital for tests to be carried out and the most appropriate therapeutic procedure to be started.

When to go to the doctor

In the event that otorrhea is frequent and is accompanied by other symptoms such as decreased hearing capacity and ear pain, it is important to go to the otorhinolaryngologist for an evaluation to be carried out and appropriate treatment to be started.

To identify the cause of otorrhea, the doctor usually performs a physical examination, in which he checks for signs of trauma, pain, signs of inflammation in the ear canal, quantity and type of secretion and presence of polyps. In addition, the otorhino performs otoscopy, which is an exam that aims to analyze the external auditory canal and eardrum, being important to identify the cause of the otorrhea.