Otorrhoea (Aural/ ear discharge) definition, causes, ddx, types

Definition: Otorrhoea describes any discharge which comes out from the ear (from clear to purulent) through a prforation in the tympanic membrane or through a ventilation tube (surgically placed).

Types and causes of Otorrhoea

A-Watery: Cerebrospinal otorrhoea, due to:

• Trauma either fracture base of the skull or after stapedectomy. 
• Tumours.

B-Serous: 

• Bullous myringitis. 
• Allergic dermatitis of the external canal.

C-Mucopurulent:

• Acute suppurative otitis media. 
• Tubo-tympanic type of C.S.O.M.

D-Purulent:

• Cholesteatoma. 
• Furunculosis and otitis externa. 
• Malignant tumors.

E- Bloody:

1-Trauma: 

• Foreign body or lacerations of the E.A.C.
• Fracture base of the skull.
• Traumatic rupture of the T.M.

2-Bullous myringitis.

3-Tumors: 

• Glomus. 
• Malignant.