- 1. Otitis media
- 2. Foreign bodies
- 3. Otitis externa
- 4. Mastoiditis
- 5. Head injury
- 6. Perforation of the eardrum
- 7. Cholesteatoma
Secretion in the ear can be caused by infections in the inner or outer ear, injuries to the head or eardrum, or even by foreign objects.
The appearance of the secretion depends on what causes it, but it usually has a transparent, yellow or white color accompanied by a bad smell, if caused by bacteria, or reddish, if accompanied by blood.
1. Otitis media
Otitis media or internal is an inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria, or in rare cases, by fungi, trauma or allergies, which can give rise to an infection, with signs and symptoms such as ear pain, release of yellow discharge or whitish with bad odor, hearing loss and fever. Learn more about otitis media.
Otitis is more common in babies and children, and in these cases, it may be more difficult to identify symptoms. Thus, if the baby has a fever, if he is irritated, or if he puts his hand to his ear frequently, it may be a sign of otitis, and 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, in order to relieve symptoms. If it is a bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, for example.
2. Foreign bodies
Foreign objects can be lodged inside the ear accidentally or intentionally, in the case of children. Usually, the objects that get stuck in the ears can be small toys, buttons, insects or food, which can cause pain, itching and release of secretion in the ear.
How to treat: The treatment consists of the removal of the foreign body by a health professional, who can use a suction machine. In more severe cases it may be necessary to resort to surgery.
3. Otitis externa
Otitis externa is an infection of a region of the ear canal, which is located between the outside of the ear and the eardrum, causing symptoms such as pain and itching in the area, fever and the release of a whitish or yellowish secretion with a bad smell. The most common causes can be exposure to heat and humidity, or the use of cotton swabs, which facilitates the proliferation of bacteria in the ear. See other causes and symptoms characteristic of otitis externa.
How to treat it: The treatment of otitis externa consists of cleaning the ear canal with saline or alcoholic solutions, and applying topical remedies for infection and inflammation, and antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin and ciprofloxacin, for example.
If the eardrum is perforated, other remedies may be necessary. As otitis can cause pain and inflammation, the ear specialist may also advise you to take painkillers, such as dipyrone or paracetamol, or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
4. Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis consists of an inflammation of a bone that is located behind the ear, the mastoid bone, which can happen due to a complication of badly treated otitis, when bacteria spread from the ear to that bone. This inflammation causes symptoms such as redness, swelling and pain around the ear, as well as fever and yellowish discharge. In more severe cases, an abscess may form or bone destruction may occur. See more about mastoiditis.
How to treat: usually the treatment is done 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 is no improvement with the use of antibiotics, it may be necessary to drain the secretion through a procedure called myringotomy, or even to open the mastoid.
5. Head injury
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 head injuries are medical emergencies, so if they occur, you should urgently go to the doctor.
6. Perforation of the eardrum
Perforation of the eardrum, which is a thin film that separates the inner ear from the outer ear, can cause pain and itching in the ear, decreased hearing, or even bleeding and release of other secretions through the ear canal.
The signs and symptoms that may occur during a perforated eardrum are itching and severe ear pain, tinnitus and yellowish discharge, and dizziness and vertigo may also occur.
How to treat: usually a small perforation heals alone in a few weeks up to 2 months, being advised, during this period, to cover the ear before taking a bath, and to avoid going to the beach or the pool.
In some cases, especially if the perforation is large, antibiotics may be prescribed, such as the combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. In more severe cases it may be necessary to resort to surgery. See more about treatment.
7. Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is a non-cancerous growth of skin in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, which is usually caused by repeated ear infections, however, it can be a birth change.
Initially, a foul-smelling fluid may be released, but then, if it continues to grow, pressure may be felt in the ear, causing some discomfort, which can lead to more serious problems, such as the destruction of the middle ear bones, affecting 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 that, the ear must be evaluated to see if the cholesteatoma reappears.
