Otorrhea

Otorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the discharge or drainage of substance from the ear. This discharge can vary in nature, ranging from clear fluid to pus, and can be a symptom of several different medical conditions.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Otorrhea can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

Otitis externa: This is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal, often caused by bacteria or fungi. It can lead to inflammation and discharge from the ear.
Otitis media: This is an infection of the middle ear, which can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum and potentially lead to otorrhea.
Cholesteatoma: This is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear, usually as a result of chronic ear infection. It can lead to otorrhea, as well as hearing loss.
Mastoiditis: This is an infection of the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. It can cause otorrhea, as well as pain and swelling behind the ear.
Trauma: Any injury to the ear, including a perforated eardrum, can result in otorrhea.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of otorrhea is the discharge or drainage from the ear. This discharge can vary in nature, ranging from clear fluid to pus. Other symptoms can include:

Pain or discomfort in the ear
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Vertigo (a sense of spinning or loss of balance)

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for otorrhea depends on the underlying cause. This can include:

Antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat infections
Pain relievers to manage discomfort
Surgery to remove cholesteatomas or to repair a perforated eardrum

See also[edit | edit source]

Otorrhea Resources
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