EAR DISCHARGE OR DRAINAGE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• Drainage of substances with varied colors and consistency from the ear canal.

Causes

• Normal discharge: earwax or water.  Earwax is light brown, dark brown, or orange brown in color.
• Main cause of abnormal discharge: an ear infection with drainage of cloudy fluid or pus through a ruptured eardrum or through a ventilation tube.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Follows ear injury, see EAR INJURY.
• Began while doing lots of swimming, see EAR, SWIMMER'S.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

See Other Topics:

• Ear Injury
• Ear, Swimmer's

View Anatomic Index of Topics