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.