EAR DISCHARGE OR DRAINAGE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR EAR DISCHARGE OR DRAINING

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Pink or red swelling behind the ear.
• Clear or bloody fluid following head injury.
• Bleeding from the ear canal (Exception: few drops and follows ear exam).
• Fever above 104°F (40°C).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Ear pain or unexplained crying.
• Discharge is yellow or green, cloudy white or foul-smelling (pus).
• Clear drainage (not from a head injury) persists for more than 24 hours.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

• Probably normal earwax or water and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

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