When to worry about ear discharge with a middle ear infection

Fluid may escape when pressure from infection irritates or opens the eardrum. Discharge can be watery, cloudy, or yellowish. A small amount may lessen as pressure falls, yet the ear still needs examination because the eardrum and middle ear cannot be assessed safely from outside.

Keep the outer ear clean and dry. Wipe fluid away gently with clean gauze; do not push cotton buds, tissue, or drops into the canal unless a clinician has recommended them. Avoid swimming and keep water out during bathing. Arrange a medical review, especially if symptoms are not settling or prescribed treatment is not helping.

Seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening pain, new hearing loss, marked dizziness, repeated vomiting, facial weakness, confusion, or swelling and tenderness behind the ear. Same-day advice is sensible for blood-stained or bad-smelling fluid, a high temperature, or a child who seems unusually sleepy, irritable, or unwell.

Ask whether the eardrum is intact, whether the discharge should be tested, which treatment is suitable, and how to keep the ear dry. Tell the clinician when the fluid began, its colour or smell, pain severity, hearing changes, and any medicines already used.