Otorrhea means the presence of discharge in the ear canal, being more common in children due to an ear infection. Although this is generally considered a benign situation, it is important for the person to go to the ENT for tests to identify the cause of the otorrhea and begin appropriate treatment.
The treatment of the otorrhea indicated by the doctor depends on the cause, the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory painkillers may be recommended, in addition to antibiotics if bacterial infection has been confirmed.
- The characteristics of otorrhea vary depending on its cause.
- And the secretion may appear in greater or lesser quantity.
- Be yellowish.
- Green.
- Red or whitish and have different consistency.
- The main causes of otorrhea are:.
External otitis corresponds to inflammation between the outside of the ear and eardrum, with otorrhea, pain, itching in the region and fever. This type of inflammation can occur as a result of exposure to heat and moisture or by the use of cotton swabs. Learn about the other causes of external otitis.
What to do: In this case, it is recommended to protect the ear canal when swimming or entering swimming pools, avoiding the use of cotton swabs, in addition to the use of medicines to apply in the ear that have anti-inflammatory properties. -inflammatory.
Acute otitis media is an inflammation of the ear caused by viruses or bacteria, which causes yellowish or whitish secretions, ear pain, fever and hearing difficulties. For a baby, the baby may also cry constantly and take the hand to the ear several times.
What to do: It is important to see your doctor as soon as symptoms of otitis appear for an assessment and appropriate treatment, which can be done with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory to relieve symptoms, and to be able to be antibiotics are recommended if it is confirmed that it is a bacterial inflammation. Learn more about the treatment of otitis and otitis.
As with acute otitis media, chronic otitis media can also be caused by viruses and bacteria, however, symptoms are more common, discharge is persistent and most of the time the eardrum is also controlled and, as a result, bleeding, pain and itching. in the ear can also be identified.
What to do: Consultation with the ENT is essential for the identification of otitis and complications can be avoided. In the case of an eardrum perforation, it is important for the person to take special measures until the eardrum is completely regenerated. If your doctor checks for signs of bacterial infection, antibiotic use may be indicated. Know what to do in case of a perforated eardrum.
Cholesteatoma corresponds to the abnormal growth of tissues behind the eardrum that can be congenital, when the child is born with this alteration, or acquired, in which it is caused by repeated ear infections. The initial symptom of cholesteratoma is the presence of discharge in the outer ear canal, and as the tissue grows, other symptoms appear, such as pressure in the ear, decreased hearing capacity, and impaired balance. Here’s how to identify cholesteatoma.
What to do: In this case, treatment involves performing a surgical procedure to remove excess tissue, thus avoiding complications. After surgery, it is important that the person return to the doctor regularly to assess if there is a risk of the tissue growing back.
Skull fracture is also one of the causes of otorrhea and secretion is often accompanied by blood. In addition to otorrhea, swelling and bruising are common in the case of a skull fracture, corresponding to violet spots that may appear and indicate bleeding.
What to do: Skull fracture is a medical emergency and therefore it is important that the person be immediately referred to the hospital for testing and the most appropriate therapeutic procedure to begin with.
For frequent otorrhea and other symptoms such as decreased hearing capacity and ear pain, it is important to see the otolaryngologist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
To identify the cause of the otorrhea, your doctor usually performs a physical exam, looking for signs of trauma, pain, signs of inflammation in the ear canal, the amount and type of discharge, and the presence of polyps. In addition, the otolrino performs an otoscopy, which is an exam that aims to analyze the outer ear canal and eardrum, which is important for identifying the cause of otorrhea.