Otorrhea (ote-uh-REE-uh) is when fluid drains from the ear. It can happen because of an infection, a hole in the eardrum, something being stuck in the ear canal, or a buildup of earwax. When the cause is treated, it usually gets better with regular ear care.

• Give any medicines that the health care provider prescribes.
• Don't put any drops in your child's ears unless instructed to do so by the health care provider. Depending on the cause of your child's ear drainage, drops may be harmful.
• If there is drainage on the outside of the ear, you can wipe it clean with a damp washcloth.
• Do not try to clean the inside of your child's ear. Use a cotton swab or wet washcloth only on the outside of the ear.
• Follow up as instructed by your health care provider.

Your child:

• has ear pain
• develops a fever or other new symptoms
• has ear drainage that smells bad or that has blood or pus in it
• has ear drainage that gets worse or doesn't go away in a few days
• seems to have trouble hearing

Does otorrhea cause any other symptoms? Otorrhea can cause vertigo (a spinning feeling), ear discomfort or itching, ringing in the ear, or hearing loss. When the otorrhea stops, these other problems usually go away too. 

What if a child with ear tubes has otorrhea? Ear tubes are tiny tubes placed in the eardrum to prevent ear infections. But sometimes an infection can happen. This leads to thick drainage that comes through the tubes and into the ear canal. Health care providers prescribe antibiotic drops or antibiotics to be taken by mouth to treat the infection.

Is a hole in the eardrum (a perforation) from an infection serious? Although a hole in the eardrum sounds like it would be serious, it's usually not. Typically, the eardrum heals very quickly. Most kids have no problems after the eardrum heals.