Hallmark Speciality ENT Clinic · Kharadi, Pune
Ear infections and ear discharge: treatment in Kharadi, Pune
Ear infections are common in children and adults. Most settle with the right treatment, but ear discharge that keeps returning, or an infection that does not clear, should be examined by an ENT specialist.
This page is for information only. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult a doctor.
Types of ear infection
Outer ear infection (otitis externa) affects the skin of the ear canal. It often follows swimming, water in the ear, or scratching the ear with cotton buds or other objects. The canal becomes painful, itchy and swollen, and may discharge. Fungal infection of the ear canal is common in warm, humid weather and causes itching, blockage and discharge.
Middle ear infection (otitis media) affects the space behind the eardrum. It often follows a cold, especially in children. Pressure behind the eardrum causes pain and fever; sometimes the eardrum bursts, releasing discharge and easing the pain.
Long-standing ear discharge can be a sign of chronic middle ear infection, a hole in the eardrum or cholesteatoma. These are covered on the ear surgery page.
Common symptoms
- Ear pain, often worse when the ear is touched
- Itching in the ear canal
- Discharge, which may be watery, thick or smelly
- A blocked feeling or reduced hearing
- Fever, particularly in children
- In young children: pulling at the ear, irritability or poor sleep
When to see an ENT specialist
See an ENT specialist if ear pain does not improve within two to three days, if discharge continues or keeps coming back, or if hearing stays reduced after an infection.
Seek urgent medical help for swelling, redness or pain behind the ear, severe headache, weakness of the face, dizziness with vomiting, or a high fever with ear pain.
How it is diagnosed at the clinic
Dr. Halikar will examine the ear, often using a microscope or endoscope for a magnified view of the ear canal and eardrum. Discharge can be gently cleaned from the ear canal so the eardrum can be seen, and a sample may be sent for testing if the infection does not respond to treatment. A hearing test may be advised once the infection has settled.
Treatment options
- Cleaning the ear canal under magnification, which helps ear drops work
- Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops, depending on the cause
- Pain relief
- Antibiotics by mouth for some middle ear infections, particularly in young children or when there is fever
- Treating nose and sinus problems that contribute to repeated middle ear infections
Repeated infections, a hole in the eardrum that does not heal, or long-standing discharge may need surgery. These options are explained on the ear surgery page.
Recovery and preventing repeat infections
Most outer and middle ear infections improve within a week of starting treatment. Keep the ear dry while it heals: avoid swimming, and protect the ear when bathing as advised, for example with a cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly. Do not put cotton buds or other objects in the ear. Finish the course of drops or medicines as prescribed, even if the ear feels better.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put oil or home remedies in an infected ear?
No. Oil, garlic, onion juice and other home remedies can make an infection worse and are unsafe if the eardrum has a hole. Use only drops prescribed by a doctor.
Is ear discharge always an infection?
Most ear discharge is caused by infection, but it can also come from a hole in the eardrum, a skin condition of the ear canal or, rarely, other causes. Discharge that continues should be examined.
Can I swim with an ear infection?
It is best to avoid swimming until the infection has cleared and your doctor confirms the ear has healed, especially if there is a hole in the eardrum.
Why does my child get ear infections so often?
Young children have shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes and catch colds often. Enlarged adenoids can also contribute. Repeated infections should be assessed by an ENT specialist.
Dr. Halikar’s relevant experience
Dr. Sudhir Halikar is a Consultant ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon with 33+ years of experience. He trained at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, is a former Associate Professor at IMSR Medical College, and performs surgery at Noble Hospital.
- Special interest in ear surgery (otology) and otoneurology
- Tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy for chronic ear disease
- Special prize, MENTCON 1997, for a study of tuberculous otitis media
Related treatments
This information is general and not a substitute for a consultation.