In this article
- Colour, smell, pain and duration are important
- Unprescribed oil or drops may be unsafe
- Persistent discharge may need hearing assessment
Assessment and treatment
- Keep the ear dry
- Otoscopy/microscopy and cleaning when appropriate
- Cause-specific safe drops or other treatment
At a glance
Definition: Canal infection, middle-ear infection, eardrum perforation or chronic ear disease may cause fluid or pus.
Key takeaways
- Colour, smell, pain and duration are important
- Unprescribed oil or drops may be unsafe
- Persistent discharge may need hearing assessment
Clinical steps
- Keep the ear dry
- Otoscopy/microscopy and cleaning when appropriate
- Cause-specific safe drops or other treatment
Red flags: Urgent care is needed for blood/clear fluid after injury, severe dizziness, facial weakness, fever or swelling behind the ear.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Urgent care is needed for blood/clear fluid after injury, severe dizziness, facial weakness, fever or swelling behind the ear.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with colour, smell, pain and duration are important.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Urgent care is needed for blood/clear fluid after injury, severe dizziness, facial weakness, fever or swelling behind the ear.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.