What causes discharge from ear canal & how to manage it? - Dr. Satish Babu K

Summary

Dr. Satish Babu, an ENT and head and neck surgeon, discusses various causes of ear discharge. He explains that the most common cause is mucous secretion from the middle ear, often due to a hole in the eardrum. Other causes include infections in the outer ear canal, which can lead to watery, pus-filled, or even blood-stained discharge. Fungal infections are common, while injuries or trauma to the ear may also cause discharge. In rare cases, a head injury could result in a more serious, continuous discharge, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Dr. Babu emphasizes the importance of investigation in these cases.

Takeaways

• 😀 Discharge from the ear canal can occur due to various reasons and from different parts of the ear.
• 😀 The most common cause of ear discharge is from the middle ear, behind the eardrum, where mucus is secreted.
• 😀 If there is a hole in the eardrum, mucus can leak through it and discharge into the ear canal.
• 😀 Infections can increase the quantity of discharge, making it foul-smelling and changing its color.
• 😀 Ear canal discharge can also originate from the outer ear, including the ear canal or the pinna (outer ear part).
• 😀 Outer ear infections can cause watery, blood-stained, or pus-like discharge.
• 😀 An intact eardrum typically indicates that the discharge is coming from the outer ear.
• 😀 Bacterial and fungal infections in the outer ear can cause discharge that may be foul-smelling or watery.
• 😀 Injuries to the ear, like using earbuds improperly, can cause ulceration, leading to watery discharge.
• 😀 In rare cases, serious injuries to the ear or skull can result in the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the ear.
• 😀 Continuous ear discharge, especially in head injury cases, requires immediate investigation to determine the source of fluid.

Q & A

What are the common causes of ear discharge mentioned in the script?

The common causes of ear discharge include a hole in the eardrum allowing mucus to leak from the middle ear, infections in the outer ear canal or pinna, and injuries to the ear or surrounding areas.

What is the difference between discharge from the middle ear and the outer ear?

Discharge from the middle ear is typically mucoid and comes through a hole in the eardrum, whereas discharge from the outer ear is often watery, blood-stained, or pus-like, and comes from the ear canal or pinna.

What can cause mucus secretion to become foul-smelling or colored?

Mucus secretion from the middle ear becomes foul-smelling or changes color when there is an infection in the middle ear, such as a bacterial or fungal infection.

What role does the mucous membrane in the ear play in the discharge process?

The mucous membrane in the middle ear secretes mucus, which can leak into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum, leading to discharge. This secretion is typically mucoid in nature.

How does an outer ear infection contribute to ear discharge?

An infection in the outer ear, such as in the ear canal or pinna, can lead to watery discharge, pus, or blood-stained discharge. The eardrum usually remains intact in these cases.

What are some signs that an ear infection is caused by a fungal infection?

A fungal infection in the outer ear often produces a discharge that is either clear, watery, or has a specific odor. The eardrum typically remains intact during these infections.

What should be done if there is a continuous discharge from the ear?

If there is a continuous discharge from the ear, it is important to investigate further to determine the source of the fluid, as it could indicate a serious condition such as cerebrospinal fluid leaking due to a skull injury.

What can happen if the ear is injured by using an earbud?

Using an earbud improperly can injure the ear, leading to skin damage and ulceration. This can result in a watery discharge from the ear.

What is cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and how does it relate to ear discharge?

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurs when there is a fracture in the skull or around the ear area, causing fluid from around the brain to leak out through the ear. This condition can result in continuous discharge from the ear.

What is the first step to take if a person experiences ear discharge after a head injury?

If a person experiences ear discharge after a head injury, it is essential to investigate the origin of the fluid, as it could be cerebrospinal fluid leaking due to a fracture in the skull. Medical evaluation is necessary.