An ear discharge can mean that the person may be suffering from ear infection or a ruptured eardrum. Ear discharge and its color itself is a symptom that something is wrong in the ear. Ear discharge can happen to both adults and children but it is more common in the latter.
Children may also experience fever, irritability, appetite loss, nausea, or headache. Young ones may tend to just poke or tug their ears constantly. They may also refuse to lie down flat on their back because of ear pain.
Causes Of Ear Discharge In Children
- Brown fluid means the ear wax is coming out of its own.Cloudy Fluid means a pus build up inside the ear from an infection. Yellowish and smelly fluid often with blood could mean damage to the eardrum. Blood in the discharge could mean injury in the ear canal. Clear discharge could mean eczema developed in the ear.
- Other causes of ear leaks may include an injury to the head from a blow, sudden pressure change, foreign object inside the ear, and very loud noise.
- Swimmer’s ear and otitis media are most common causes of ear discharges.
Treatment For Ear Discharge In Kids
- Treatment is decided after the cause of the discharge is identified.
- Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antifungal drops are common medications given.
- The discharge is drained using ear tubes preventing recurrence of infection.
- Children are more sensitive than adults. It is not recommended to use home remedies like drops of olive oil or garlic juice in the child’s ears. This may worsen his or her condition.
- Follow the doctor’s advice in taking care or handling the child’s injury.
- Have a follow up doctor’s visit to make sure the child’s infection is clearing up or the fluid has all drained out.
- If there is recurrence, have an appointment with the doctor to determine if the cause of leak is the same or if it is a new infection. This helps determine right kind of antibiotics or medicines for the child.
- Children’s ear infections are more difficult to cure than adults, so they really need extra care.
Consult the doctor immediately in the following cases
- When there is blood in the discharge
- When ear leak started after an accident or injury
- If the child is experiencing severe pain
- If the child is experiencing fever and headache together with the discharge
- If there is hearing loss