How common is ear discharge in middle ear infection?

It may appear cloudy, yellow, green, blood-stained, or watery. The appearance alone cannot confirm the cause, so a clinician may need to look in the ear.

With a middle ear infection, pressure and fluid can build up behind the eardrum. If fluid drains through an opening in the eardrum, pain or pressure may change as the discharge begins.

Ear discharge may also come from irritation or infection of the ear canal, a skin condition around the ear, an object in the ear, or an injury. This is why the symptom should not be used to diagnose middle ear infection by itself.

Keep the outer ear clean and gently wipe away fluid that reaches the outside. Avoid putting cotton buds, fingers, drops, oils, or other objects into the ear unless a clinician has advised them.

Try to keep water out of the affected ear while it is discharging. Arrange a medical assessment, particularly if the discharge is new, recurring, smelly, or accompanied by ear pain, reduced hearing, or fever.

Seek urgent medical care for swelling or redness behind the ear, severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion, marked drowsiness, severe dizziness, weakness of the face, or a person who appears very unwell.

Prompt assessment is also sensible after a head injury, when blood or clear fluid comes from the ear, or when symptoms are worsening rather than settling. Babies, young children, and people with weakened immune systems may need earlier review.

Ask whether the discharge seems to come from the ear canal or from behind the eardrum, whether the eardrum can be seen clearly, and whether hearing should be checked.

You can also ask which treatments are suitable, how to protect the ear while it heals, and which changes should prompt a follow-up visit.