What are the main causes of postnasal drip. How does excess mucus production affect the respiratory system. What are the most effective treatments for relieving postnasal drip symptoms. Can postnasal drip lead to more serious complications. How can you distinguish between temporary and chronic postnasal drip.

Understanding Postnasal Drip: A Common Upper Respiratory Issue

Postnasal drip is a condition that occurs when excess mucus from the nasal passages drains down the back of the throat. This can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and, in some cases, more serious complications. While often confused with a runny nose, postnasal drip is a distinct condition with its own set of causes and treatments.

The human body naturally produces mucus to protect against infection and keep the nasal passages moist. Under normal circumstances, this mucus mixes with saliva and is swallowed without notice. However, when the body produces an excess amount of mucus or when the mucus becomes abnormally thick, it can result in postnasal drip.

How does postnasal drip differ from a runny nose?

While both conditions involve excess mucus production, the key difference lies in where the mucus exits. In postnasal drip, the excess mucus flows down the back of the throat, whereas a runny nose involves mucus exiting through the nostrils. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Mucus in the Respiratory System

Mucus plays a vital role in maintaining respiratory health. It acts as a protective barrier, trapping harmful particles such as viruses, bacteria, and allergens before they can enter the lungs. The sticky nature of mucus allows it to capture these potential threats, while its fluid composition helps to keep the nasal passages and airways moist and functioning properly.

What happens when mucus production becomes excessive?

When the body produces more mucus than necessary, it can lead to several issues:

• Clogged sinus passages, potentially resulting in sinus infections
• Throat irritation, causing soreness and persistent coughing
• Ear discomfort or infections due to mucus flowing into the Eustachian tubes
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Sleep disturbances due to congestion and coughing

Common Causes of Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip can be either temporary or chronic, depending on its underlying cause. Understanding the various factors that contribute to excess mucus production is essential for effective management and treatment.

Temporary Causes of Postnasal Drip

Several factors can lead to short-term increases in mucus production and postnasal drip:

1. Viral upper respiratory infections (e.g., common cold, flu)
2. Changes in weather, particularly dry or cold conditions
3. Exposure to irritants such as smoke, chemicals, or strong fragrances
4. Consumption of spicy foods
5. Hormonal changes during pregnancy

In these cases, postnasal drip typically resolves once the underlying condition has run its course or the irritant is removed from the environment.

Chronic Causes of Postnasal Drip

Some individuals may experience persistent postnasal drip due to ongoing factors:

• Allergies (seasonal or perennial)
• Side effects of certain medications
• Anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum
• Chronic sinusitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic postnasal drip often requires long-term management and may necessitate medical intervention for effective relief.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Postnasal Drip

Identifying the symptoms of postnasal drip is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While the condition can manifest differently in each individual, there are several common signs to watch for:

• A persistent feeling of mucus in the throat
• Frequent throat clearing or coughing, especially at night
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bad breath
• Nausea caused by excess mucus in the stomach

Can postnasal drip cause ear pain?

Yes, postnasal drip can indeed cause ear discomfort or pain. The excess mucus can flow into the Eustachian tubes, which connect the throat to the middle ear. This can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, and in some cases, may result in an ear infection if the tubes become blocked.

Effective Treatments for Postnasal Drip

Managing postnasal drip often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medical interventions. The most appropriate treatment approach depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

Several simple strategies can help alleviate the symptoms of postnasal drip:

• Stay hydrated to thin mucus secretions
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
• Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent mucus accumulation
• Avoid known irritants and allergens
• Practice nasal irrigation with a saline solution
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat

Medical Treatments for Postnasal Drip

When home remedies prove insufficient, various medications can help manage postnasal drip:

1. Antihistamines: These can reduce mucus production caused by allergies
2. Decongestants: Medications like pseudoephedrine can help relieve nasal congestion
3. Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These reduce inflammation in the nasal passages
4. Expectorants: Drugs like guaifenesin can thin mucus, making it easier to expel
5. Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen, as some treatments may have side effects or interact with existing medications.

Preventing Postnasal Drip and Maintaining Respiratory Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent postnasal drip entirely, several strategies can help reduce its occurrence and severity:

• Manage allergies through avoidance of triggers and appropriate medication
• Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of viral infections
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Use air filters to remove irritants from your home environment
• Stay well-hydrated to maintain optimal mucus consistency
• Engage in regular exercise to support overall respiratory health

How can dietary changes impact postnasal drip?

Certain dietary modifications may help alleviate postnasal drip symptoms:

1. Limit dairy consumption, as it can thicken mucus in some individuals
2. Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
3. Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
4. Consider adding spicy foods to your diet, as they can help thin mucus
5. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration

When to Seek Medical Attention for Postnasal Drip

While postnasal drip is often a manageable condition, there are instances where medical intervention becomes necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for professional evaluation:

• Symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement
• Fever develops alongside postnasal drip symptoms
• Mucus becomes thick, yellow, or green in color
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing occur
• Severe headaches or facial pain develop
• Blood appears in nasal discharge or when coughing

Can chronic postnasal drip lead to complications?

Yes, if left untreated, chronic postnasal drip can potentially lead to more serious issues:

1. Chronic sinus infections
2. Middle ear infections
3. Sleep apnea or other sleep disturbances
4. Chronic cough that may damage the throat or vocal cords
5. Exacerbation of asthma symptoms in individuals with the condition

Early intervention and proper management can help prevent these complications and improve overall quality of life for those affected by postnasal drip.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Persistent Postnasal Drip

When postnasal drip proves resistant to initial treatments or its cause remains unclear, healthcare providers may employ advanced diagnostic techniques to identify underlying issues:

• Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the nasal passages and sinuses
• Imaging studies: CT scans or MRIs can reveal structural abnormalities or sinus infections
• Allergy testing: Skin prick tests or blood tests can identify specific allergens triggering symptoms
• Swallowing studies: These can rule out issues with the esophagus that may contribute to postnasal drip
• pH monitoring: This test can detect acid reflux, which may cause or exacerbate postnasal drip

How do environmental factors influence postnasal drip?

Environmental conditions play a significant role in the development and persistence of postnasal drip:

1. Air pollution can irritate the nasal passages and increase mucus production
2. Dry air, common in heated indoor environments, can thicken mucus
3. Seasonal changes can trigger allergies and affect mucus consistency
4. Exposure to chemical fumes or strong odors can stimulate excess mucus production
5. High altitudes may cause nasal congestion and postnasal drip in some individuals

Understanding these environmental influences can help individuals better manage their symptoms and make informed decisions about their living and working environments.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Postnasal Drip Management

As medical understanding of postnasal drip continues to evolve, new treatments and management strategies are being developed:

• Biologics: These targeted therapies show promise in managing severe allergic postnasal drip
• Probiotics: Research suggests that certain probiotics may help reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory symptoms
• Immunotherapy: This long-term treatment can help desensitize individuals to specific allergens
• Novel drug delivery systems: New methods of delivering medications directly to the nasal passages are being explored
• Personalized medicine approaches: Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific triggers

What role does the microbiome play in postnasal drip?

Recent studies have begun to explore the connection between the nasal microbiome and postnasal drip:

1. The balance of bacteria in the nasal passages may influence mucus production
2. Disruptions in the microbiome could contribute to chronic sinus issues and postnasal drip
3. Probiotic nasal sprays are being investigated as a potential treatment option
4. Understanding the microbiome may lead to more targeted and effective therapies
5. Lifestyle factors that support a healthy microbiome may help prevent postnasal drip

As research in this area continues, it may open up new avenues for prevention and treatment of postnasal drip and related conditions.

Causes of Postnasal Drip and How to Treat It

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November 26, 2018 | Family Medicine

Have you been experiencing upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, persistent cough, clogging in the tubes of the ear or sinus infections? If so, postnasal drip may be the cause.

Postnasal drip is not the same thing as a runny nose, but they share the same root cause: production of excess or abnormally thick mucus from glands within the lining of your nasal passages.

Complications of excess mucus

Mucus is a thick, sticky liquid produced by your nose to protect the body from infection. It traps viruses and bacteria and keeps your nasal passages moist. When your body is functioning normally, mucus mixes with saliva and is harmlessly swallowed. However, under certain circumstances, your body may produce more mucus than normal. When this happens, the excess mucus needs someplace to go. Postnasal drip occurs when the excess mucus exits from the back of your nose into the throat. A runny nose is excess mucus exiting from the nostrils.

Excess mucus in your nose can clog your sinus passages, which may lead to a sinus infection. Postnasal drip can also cause ear or throat discomfort. Your nose is connected to your ears and throat via an open structure called the pharynx, a cone-shaped passageway in the back of the head. Therefore, excess mucus that exits from the back of your nose can flow into your ears and throat from the pharynx. Excess fluid in your ear can cause an ear infection by clogging up the Eustachian tube. An unusual influx of mucus can also irritate your throat, causing soreness or coughing.

What causes excess mucus and postnasal drip?

Postnasal drip may be temporary or chronic, depending on its cause. Potential causes of temporary postnasal drip include the following:

• Viral upper respiratory infections, such as cold or flu
• Dry air or cold temperatures, often experienced during changes of seasons
• Irritating fumes from smoke, chemicals, cleaning products, perfumes or colognes
• Spicy food
• Pregnancy

In these cases, postnasal drip typically subsides after the condition runs its course or the irritating stimulant is removed.

Chronic postnasal drip is excess mucus production that persists for a long period of time and may be caused by the following:

• Side effects of certain medications
• Allergies
• Deviated septum, a congenital malformation of the nose

Treatments for postnasal drip

You can take steps to relieve the symptoms of postnasal drip. Exposure to steam, by taking a shower or drinking hot soup, for example, can help to thin the mucus and open the nasal passages. You can also prevent mucus from collecting in your throat while you sleep by lying on propped-up pillows. If your postnasal drip is caused by allergens or other irritants, nasal irrigation (e.g., using a neti pot) can help clear these foreign bodies away.

Postnasal drip can also be treated with medication, but the specific drug you should use depends on what is causing your symptoms. Steroid sprays or certain antihistamines, for example, are common treatments for postnasal drip caused by allergies. If your postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will likely treat it with antibiotics. Decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine) and expectorants (a medication to thin the mucus, such as guaifenesin) may also be effective.

If you have persistent upper respiratory symptoms, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. He or she can help determine the cause and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Revere Health Orem Family Medicine is devoted to comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages and providing thorough and timely healthcare for the entire family throughout all stages of life.

Sources:

“Treatments for Post-Nasal Drip.” Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Harvard Health.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip

“What Is Postnasal Drip?” WebMD.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/postnasal-drip#1

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.

Causes, Symptoms and FDA Advice

What is Eustachian tube dysfunction?

The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear. When you sneeze, swallow, or yawn, your Eustachian tubes open. This keeps air pressure and fluid from building up inside your ear. But sometimes a Eustachian tube might get plugged. This is called Eustachian tube dysfunction. When this happens, sounds may be muffled, and your ear may feel full. You may also have ear pain.

Symptoms

If you have Eustachian tube dysfunction:

• Your ears may feel plugged or full.
• Sounds may seem muffled.
• You may feel a popping or clicking sensation (children may say their ear “tickles”).
• You may have pain in one or both ears.
• You may hear ringing in your ears (called tinnitus).
• You may sometimes have trouble keeping your balance.

Your symptoms may get worse with changes in altitude. This includes flying in an airplane, riding in elevators, driving through mountains, or diving.

What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction?

The most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube become swollen (inflamed) and mucus or fluid builds up. This can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies. Some people are at greater risk for Eustachian tube dysfunction. They include:

• Children. Their tubes are shorter and straighter than those of an adult. This makes it easier for germs to reach the middle ear and for fluid to become trapped there. Also, children’s immune systems are not fully developed. This makes it harder for them to fight off infections.
• People who smoke. Smoking damages the cilia (the tiny hairs that sweep mucus from the middle ear to the back of the nose). This can allow mucus to gather in the tubes.
• People who are obese. Fatty deposits around the tubes can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction.

How is Eustachian tube dysfunction diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and examine you. They will examine your ear canals and eardrums, your nasal passages, and the back of your throat.

Can Eustachian tube dysfunction be prevented or avoided?

Reduce your risk of developing this condition by treating the underlying cause of the blockage. This is usually allergies, a cold, or the flu.

Treatment

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. You can do exercises to open up the tubes. This includes swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils closed, and “blowing” with your mouth shut.

If you think your baby may have Eustachian tube dysfunction, feed him or her. You can also give them a pacifier. These encourage the swallow reflex.

If these strategies don’t help, your doctor may suggest other options. These can include:

• Using a decongestant to reduce the swelling of the lining of the tubes
• Taking an antihistamine or using a steroid nasal spray to reduce any allergic response
• Making a tiny incision in the eardrum and suctioning out the fluid in the middle ear. This gives the Eustachian tube lining time to shrink while the eardrum is healing (usually 1 to 3 days).
• Implanting small tubes in the eardrums. These let built-up fluid drain out of the middle ear. Children who get a lot of ear infections sometimes get tubes in their ears. They stay in up to 18 months and fall out on their own.
• Using a balloon dilation system. A doctor will use a catheter (long, flexible tube) to insert a small balloon through your nose and into the Eustachian tube. When it is inflated, the balloon opens a pathway for mucus and air to flow through the tube. This can help it function properly.

FDA warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against the use of ear candles (inserting a special candle in the ear). It is supposed to pull wax and debris out of your ear as it burns. Ear candles can cause serious injuries and there is no evidence to support their effectiveness.

Living with Eustachian tube dysfunction

Managing your symptoms when you have allergies or a cold is important. This can keep your Eustachian tubes clear and prevent an infection. Home care usually takes care of any problems. This includes exercises such as swallowing or yawning. If you or your child show symptoms of severe pain in the ear, call your family doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

• My ears feel full and don’t feel better when I yawn. Could I have Eustachian tube dysfunction?
• What can I do to make my child more comfortable?
• My child has Eustachian tube dysfunction. Does this mean they will have ear infections?
• Is there anything I can do when I travel to make myself more comfortable?
• Could my allergies make Eustachian tube dysfunction worse?
• What is the best way to treat my symptoms?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Otitis media with effusion

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Discharge from the ear, or otorrhea

Allergy

Fungus

Otitis

Sulfur plug

Mastoiditis

Tympanic membrane rupture

Otomycosis

17713

June 24

Discharge from the ear: the causes of occurrence, in which diseases occur, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Earwax is a physiological secretion from the ear canal and protects the hearing aid from pathogenic bacteria. It consists of fat, fatty acids and fat-like substances, as well as various mineral salts. Normally, a person produces 15–20 mg of earwax during the month, which looks like a sticky yellow-brown mass. All other discharges are considered pathological and indicate ear diseases.

Types of discharge from the ear

The discharge may be transparent, white, light or dark yellow, greenish (in the presence of pus). If blood enters the ear secretion, the discharge becomes reddish or brownish in color.

The discharge may be watery in consistency, have a cheesy or flaky texture, and may sometimes form crusts.

An unpleasant smell of discharge due to the presence of pus in them can serve as a diagnostic sign.

What diseases and conditions cause discharge from the ear

Sulfur plugs . Excessive work of the sulfur glands leads to the formation of a sulfur plug. Most often, this problem occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol levels in the blood. The formation of sulfur plugs provokes an increased viscosity of sulfur, dry skin, small foreign particles (for example, industrial dust) entering the ear, as well as excessive hair growth in the ear canal. Often, sulfur plugs are observed in people involved in water sports, using hearing aids, miniature headphones.

With improper hygiene measures and independent attempts to remove excess earwax, there is a risk of pushing it deeper into the ear canal, thereby causing a plug to form.

Clinical signs of sulfur plug are pain and stuffiness of the ear, tinnitus, especially painful when sulfur comes into contact with the eardrum, sometimes headache, dizziness, nausea.

Mucopurulent and purulent discharge is a symptom of inflammation of the outer and middle ear. In inflammation external ear (otitis externa) pathological process can develop in the auricle and external auditory canal (up to the tympanic membrane). Most often, external otitis occurs against the background of infection of the ear with bacteria and microscopic fungi. Its first signs are, as a rule, pain in the ear, itching, less often – hearing loss and a feeling of fullness. Mucopurulent discharge appears only with a common form of the inflammatory process throughout the auditory canal.

The source of purulent discharge in the outer ear can also be a boil located in the shell or ear canal. With otitis media mucopurulent and purulent discharge results from infection of sterile effusion from inflamed ear tissues. Since the chamber of the middle ear is closed by the tympanic membrane, purulent discharge may appear in the outer ear only after the formation of a hole in it. This is preceded by severe pain in the ear, fever, hearing loss, and in children – overexcitation, sometimes vomiting.

When mastoiditis (inflammatory lesion of the mastoid process of the temporal bone), purulent discharge from the ear also appears. As a rule, this disease develops as a complication of otitis media and is accompanied by fever, soreness and swelling in the mastoid process behind the ear.

Clear bloody or purulent discharge occurs in acute infectious myringitis (inflammation of the eardrum), which may be of fungal or bacterial origin. Bubbles filled with blood form on the surface of the eardrum, which then burst. In addition to discharge, ear congestion is observed.

Transparent, colorless or slightly pinkish discharge from the ear may be the result of liquorrhea – the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. It enters the auricle in case of skull fractures (usually temporal) due to trauma.

In addition, transparent watery discharge sometimes accompanies allergic otitis media , which is also characterized by other signs – itching, ear congestion.

Unaltered blood appears from the ear, usually after injury and rupture of the eardrum .

Such an injury can be caused by acoustic and mechanical shocks, as well as due to improper hygiene procedures. A ruptured eardrum is always accompanied by severe pain.

The appearance of bloody-purulent discharge from the ear is one of the evidences of the presence of a polyp on the tympanic membrane or mucous membrane of the middle ear . A polyp is an overgrowth of tissue in response to its irritation. The appearance of a polyp is preceded by active inflammation of the middle ear. In addition, polyps can be the result of myringitis, otitis externa, malignant neoplasms. Perforating the tympanic membrane, the polyp can protrude into the area of ​​​​the external auditory canal, leading to hearing loss.

Insignificant secretions, sometimes forming crusts and having an unpleasant odor, are characteristic of cholesteatoma – a tumor-like formation formed from the epidermis of the ear canal. In most cases, cholesteatoma complicates chronic purulent epitympanitis and is formed from layers of keratinized epidermis, water, proteins, fats and cholesterol. The formation of cholesteatoma is accompanied by feelings of heaviness and fullness in the ear, headache. If left untreated, it can gradually invade the mastoid process and the cranial cavity.

At otomycosis loose curdled discharge is observed. The main culprits of the disease are molds (often localized in the outer ear) and yeast-like fungi (more often inhabiting the middle ear). Clinical signs of otitis externa in these cases include pain and colored cheesy-necrotic discharge from the ear. Patients complain of tinnitus and dizziness.

Discharge that contains large, fatty flakes, sometimes mixed with pus, is characteristic of seborrheic ear dermatitis . The disease can affect not only the ear, but also the scalp. Clinical signs are severe itching, swelling of the auricle, peeling of the skin and weeping wounds.

Clear discharge mixed with blood (sanitary discharge) indicates bullous or influenza-like otitis media . Bullae (vesicles with fluid) occur on the surface of the ear canal and eardrum. When they burst, the liquid with the ichor flows out through the ear canal into the auricle.

Which doctor to contact for ear discharge

In most cases, ear diseases are characterized by a clear clinical picture, which is based on pain. These patients are treated by an otorhinolaryngologist.

In the presence of a traumatic brain injury, which is accompanied by liquorrhea, urgent hospitalization is necessary. Otherwise, a poor prognosis is possible.

Discharge from the ear is not always accompanied by pain, in particular with allergic otitis, which is treated by
therapist,
pediatrician and
allergist-immunologist.

Diagnosis and examination of discharge from the ear

If wax plug is suspected, the doctor performs an otoscopy, during which an accumulation of wax in the ear canal is detected. Diagnosis of otitis externa and otitis media is carried out on the basis of patient complaints, otoscopy, palpation of the parotid region. It is recommended to sow discharge from the ear to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to antibiotics. Perhaps an audiometric study.

Traumatic brain injury, which is accompanied by liquorrhea, is diagnosed using radiography and CT.

X-ray of the skull

X-ray examination of the skull to detect violations of the structure and integrity of the bones of the skull of various nature.

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CT scan of the brain and skull

Scanning of the brain, skull and surrounding tissues, which allows diagnosing various pathologies.

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To diagnose cholesteatoma and mastoiditis, the doctor performs otoscopy and radiography.

X-ray of the mastoid processes

X-ray examination of the mastoid process of the temporal bone to assess its integrity and identify other pathology.

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If otomycosis is suspected, endomicroscopic (examination of the ear under an operating microscope) and microbiological examination of ear discharge using microscopy and culture are recommended. Diagnosis of bullous otitis media includes sowing fluid from the ear, audio and tympanometry, and radiation examination methods. It is also possible to use serological methods of blood analysis.

What to do if there is discharge from the ear

If clear discharge from the ear appeared after an injury, urgent hospitalization is necessary.

If there is an increased excretion of sulfur, you should seek the help of an ENT doctor who will recommend proper care and personal hygiene methods acceptable at home.

It is strongly not recommended to clean the ear canal with the help of items not intended for this purpose.

Treatment for ear discharge

If a sulfur plug is detected, the doctor removes it, after softening it with special preparations. Remove plugs by lavage or aspiration and curettage.

Irrigation is possible only in the absence of contraindications, which the doctor will definitely inform about (perforation of the tympanic membrane, otitis externa).

Treatment for otitis media may include pain relief, physiotherapy, and etiotropic therapy, depending on the causative agent of the disease. The allergic nature of ear discharge requires the use of antihistamines. Cholesteatoma is treated only with surgery.

Sources:

1. Clinical recommendations “Acute otitis media”. Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.
2. Morozova S.V. Ear wax: topical issues of norm and pathology in clinical practice. breast cancer. No. 3 (II), 2018, pp. 53–57.
3. Clinical guidelines “Chronic otitis media”. Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Ear discharge

To the guide

Discharge from the ear often indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the outer or middle ear.

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Ear wax protects against the penetration of pathogens and foreign bodies into the ear canal. Therefore, its formation is physiologically determined and is considered the norm. Other discharge from the ear usually indicates pathology and may contain purulent masses and blood impurities.

Types of discharge

According to their type of discharge are divided into several types:

Purulent discharge

The leakage of pus from the ear canal occurs with inflammation of the outer and middle ear, and is also characteristic of external and acute otitis media with perforation of the eardrum, respectively. Other causes of purulent discharge can be otomycosis, in which fungal microflora parasitizes in the ear, and furunculosis.

This is the name of inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the ear canal, accompanied by the formation of a limited cavity (one or more) filled with purulent secretion. The clinical picture may be supplemented by other signs: the development of hearing loss, congestion and pain in the ear on the side of the lesion, a sensation of tinnitus, which is often mixed with dizziness. The physical condition of the patient is aggravated by a runny nose, fever, an increase in local lymph nodes, and pain in the ear region.

Spotting

Discharge from the ear with blood impurities also occurs with the development of an inflammatory process in the middle and outer sections. But the most common cause of such phenomena is trauma to the eardrum or other internal structures, as a result of exposure to mechanical objects that have fallen into the ear canal, or pressure drop. In the latter case, the cause may be barotrauma, which is often found in novice scuba divers with improper diving to depth due to a sharp change in the difference between external and internal fluid pressure.

Transparent highlights

There are also clear discharges from the ear. A striking example is exudative otitis media, during the development of which fluid accumulates in the middle ear cavity. Rupture of the tympanic membrane leads to the manifestation of the contents. Inflammation for this form of otitis is uncharacteristic.

Cerebrospinal fluid, which is also clear, may leak from the ear. A similar picture can be observed with craniocerebral injuries that led to a fracture of the base of the skull.

Diagnostics

Elucidation of the etiology of this phenomenon is carried out on the basis of the patient’s own complaints and instrumental examination data.

As part of the diagnosis, otoscopy is used, the main task of which is to exclude pathology in the ear. The doctor also performs the toilet of the ear, clearing the ear canal from the contents, using micro-instruments. For a more detailed examination, otomicroscopy is used.

If an inflammatory process is confirmed, discharge from the ear is subject to microbiological examination, which makes it possible to establish the type of pathogen and identify its sensitivity to antibiotics. Head injuries are the reason for performing a computed tomography.

Treatment

Treatment according to the cause of the event:

• Drug therapy – antibacterial drugs in the form of drops;
• Opening of a furuncle with furunculosis.