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General health information

Ear discharge

Ear discharge means fluid, pus, blood or clear fluid is coming from the ear. Possible causes include a middle-ear infection with a hole in the eardrum, ear canal inflammation, a perforated eardrum, a foreign body or injury. Rarely, very clear watery fluid after head trauma may indicate leaking cerebrospinal fluid. Keep the ear dry, avoid cotton buds and do not start ear drops without knowing what is wrong.

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  • Ear discharge means fluid is coming from the ear.
  • Causes include middle-ear infection, ear canal inflammation, a hole in the eardrum, injury or a foreign body.
  • The fluid's colour and consistency may offer clues, but not always certainty.
  • Keep the ear dry and put nothing into the ear canal.
  • Clear watery fluid after head trauma needs immediate assessment.

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P
Perforated eardrumA perforated eardrum is an opening in the thin membrane between the ear canal and middle ear. It may result from an ear infection, a pressure difference, a loud bang or an object in the ear. Many small tears heal by themselves, but the ear must stay dry, and sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, head injury or persistent discharge needs prompt assessment.
E
Ear infection (ear canal)In an ear canal infection, the skin between the outer ear and eardrum is red and swollen. Pain when pulling the ear, itching, fluid and a blocked feeling are typical. Keep the ear dry and only use prescribed ear drops.
C
Corneal injuryA corneal injury is often a scratch or graze on the clear surface of the eye. It can cause severe pain, watering, redness and light sensitivity. Most small injuries heal well, but contact lens use, dirt or metal in the eye, pus, worsening vision or increasing pain may indicate infection or deeper damage. Never use anaesthetic eye drops at home to suppress the pain.