If you experience ear discharge, it means you have an infection or sore in your ear middle ear. Do not be ignored, this condition requires medical assistance.
Normally, the ear will produce earwax. This earwax contains oil which serves to wrap dust, bacteria, or other foreign objects from entering further into the ear.
However, in certain conditions such as ear infections, boils in the ear, or a ruptured eardrum, the ear will discharge a fluid that contains blood or possibly pus. The presence of fluid that comes out of the ear is known as otorrhea .
What Causes Ear Draining?
In general, the cause of discharge in the ear is an infection. Bacteria or viruses can enter the middle ear, which is behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses that manage to enter can cause infection. This infection triggers a collection of fluid in the middle ear. The pressure generated by this collection of fluid will push and tear the eardrum so that the fluid will flow out of the ear.
Two other conditions that can cause ear discharge are:
Trauma
Trauma can occur when you clean your ear with a cotton swab or cotton bud and pushed it too deep. Another condition that traumatizes the ear is the increase in air pressure when you are on an airplane or doing sports scuba diving. This increased external air pressure will press the eardrum inward, causing pain, and in some people it can even cause the eardrum to burst.
Swimmer's ear syndrome
This syndrome, also known as otitis externa, can occur when you play in the water for too long. The inside of your ear will become very moist, so the skin on the walls of the ear canal will peel and crack. This is where bacteria and viruses can enter, thereby causing infection.
Although it's called swimmer's ear syndrome, it doesn't just happen when a person is in the water. The skin of the ear canal can become irritated due to eczema or because there is a foreign object that enters.
What can be done in Rhome jif the ear is leaking fluid
When you experience ear discharge, there are several ways you can treat it at home.
First, you can compress the side of the ear that is leaking fluid with a warm compress. Make sure the towel / cloth you use is not too wet to avoid getting water into the ear.
You have to maintain pressure in the ear by not exhaling through the nose too hard. Sometimes when your ear discharges, 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 your 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 much deeper into the ear, which can cause other, more serious problems.
Signs You Must See a Doctor
If the condition of the ear discharge is felt to be 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 other symptoms that should be checked by a doctor, namely:
- The discharge is white, yellow, clear, or in the form of blood.
- The fluid comes out after an accident or injury.
- Accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache or high fever.
- Decreased hearing quality.
- There is swelling or redness of the ear canal.
- The condition of the ear discharge has occurred for more than five days.
So that the next you do not experience ear discharge again, then immediately try to prevent it as well as possible. Try wearing earplugs when in a high-noise environment and always dry your ears after swimming to prevent water from getting in your ears by tilting your head to the side where the water enters.