Fluid in the ear, also called otorrhoea, refers to any substance draining from your ear. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Ear infections: Fluid draining from the ear is often caused by ear infections, which can be either viral, bacterial, or a combination of both. An infection of the middle ear usually stems from an illness in the sinus or throat such as a cold or an allergy, which causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat, and eustachian tubes. Swollen eustachian tubes can become blocked, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear. This fluid can become infected and cause the symptoms of an ear infection.
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Damage to the ear drum: Fluid from the ear may be caused by damage to the ear drum, which can be caused by a foreign body in the ear or a more serious infection or injury.
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Eustachian tube dysfunction: Problems with your eustachian tube can cause fluid to build up in your middle ear. Normally, you release pressure in your middle ear when you swallow. Swallowing causes your eustachian tubes to open, which can happen 3 to 4 times per minute. If an eustachian tube is blocked, fluid builds up in your middle ear so that your eardrum cant move the way it should. Eustachian tube blockage can happen when colds or allergies cause the lining of the eustachian tube and adenoids to swell.
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Other factors: Fluid from the ear may also be caused by a foreign body in the ear, a more serious infection or injury, or mastoiditis (an infection of the bone behind your ear) or malignant otitis externa (an infection of the ear canal and part of the skull) .
If you notice any fluid leaking from your ear, especially if you have a fever, hearing loss, or dizziness, or if your ear is red and swollen, see your doctor. They may advise you to keep your ears dry and avoid cleaning your ears with cotton buds or putting anything into your ears.
