What Causes Ear Drainage?

Ear Infection
An infection to the ear causes ear discharge.

An infection to the ear causes ear discharge. Infection to an ear takes place when viruses or bacteria get into the middle section of the ear located just after the eardrum. It has three bones known as ossicles needed for hearing. Infections to the ear cause the building up of fluid in the ear leading to ear discharge.

Trauma

Trauma usually affects the ear canal and may be a huge cause of ear discharge. Trauma of this kind can take place as you scour your ear using a Q-tip when pushed deep inside the ear. Increased pressure while cleaning causes trauma to the ear hence rapturing the eardrum. In order to heal, your ear will start discharging off some fluid.

Swimmer���s Ear

Swimmer���s ear, also known as Otitis externa, occurs after your ear canal is infected with fungus or bacteria. This happens when you stay in water for long. A lot of moisture in your ear can damage your ear canal walls. Fungi and bacteria can infiltrate and cause an infection. Once there is an infection, an ear discharge will certainly occur.

Other Causes

There are other causes of ear drainage. One of them is m astoiditis, which is an infection that attacks the bone (mastoid) located behind the ear. Malignant otitis externa is another symptom to look out for. It is usually a swimmer's ear complication that damages bones and cartilage in the skull's base. A fracture on the skull can also cause drainage from your ear.