If you experience ear discharge, it means you are experiencing an infection or injury to the middle ear. Don't leave it alone, this condition requires medical help.
Normally, the ear will produce earwax. This earwax contains oil which functions to wrap dust, bacteria, or other foreign objects so it does not enter further into the ear.
But in certain conditions such as an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum, the ear will secrete a fluid containing blood or possibly pus. The presence of fluid that comes out of the ear is known as otorrhea.
What Causes Ear Discharge?
In general, the cause of discharge in the ear is infection. Bacteria or viruses can enter the middle ear behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses that enter successfully can cause infection. This infection triggers the collection of fluid in the middle ear. The pressure generated by this collection of fluids will push and someday tear the eardrum so that the fluid will flow out of the ear.
Two other conditions that can cause ear discharge to come out are:
Trauma
Trauma can occur when you clean your ears using a cotton swab or cotton bud and push it too deep. Other conditions that make the ear traumatized are increased air pressure when you are on a plane or doing scuba diving. This increased outside air pressure will press the eardrum inward, causing pain, and even in some people can cause an eardrum rupture.
Swimmer's ear syndrome
This syndrome, better known as otitis externa, can occur when you play for too long in water. The inside of your ears will become very damp, so the skin on the walls of the ear canal will peel and break. This is where bacteria and viruses can enter, causing infection.
Although it is called swimmer's ear syndrome, this condition does not only occur when a person is in the water. The skin of the ear canal can become irritated due to eczema or due to foreign objects entering.
What Can Be Done at Home if Ear Discharge
When you experience ear discharge, there are several ways you can treat it at home.
The first, you can compress the side of the ear that comes out with a warm compress. Make sure the towel / cloth you use is not too wet to avoid getting water into the ear.
You must maintain pressure in the ear by not exhaling from the nose too hard. Sometimes when your ears discharge, there will be an uncomfortable sensation such as a clogged ear. Avoid holding your breath with your nose and mouth closed, as this will further increase the pressure in the ear, and risk slowing the healing process.
Do not use any ear drops other than those prescribed / recommended by your doctor. These drops can go deeper into the ear, which can cause other more serious problems.
Signs Must See Your Doctor
If the condition of ear discharge comes out is getting worse, at least it starts to hurt, then you are advised to immediately see a doctor for further examination. In addition to the appearance of pain, there are still other symptoms that must be checked by a doctor, namely:
- The liquid that comes out is white, yellow, clear, or in the form of blood.
- The liquid comes out after an accident or injury.
- Accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches or high fever.
- Poor hearing quality.
- Swelling or redness of the ear canal occurs.
- The condition of ear discharge comes out for more than five days.
So that later you do not experience ear discharge out again, then immediately try your best. Try using earplugs when you are in an environment that has a high noise level and always dry the ears after swimming to prevent the ear from entering the water by tilting your head to the side that has water in it.
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