Ear drainage or discharge is a natural phenomenon that involves the draining of some sort of fluid from the ear. Often, the fluid is excess wax that the body is expelling from the ear canal. However, various types or otitis or ear infection can also lead to the desire to promote ear drainage as a means of expediting the healing process. Here are some ideas on how to encourage drainage and help ease the pain of an earache or infection.
Many forms of ear infection leave the individual feeling as if his or her head is stuffed full of some foreign substance. Along with the sense of fullness, pain is also often experienced. When an infection has set in, it is a good idea to see a doctor and obtain antibiotics or other medication that will cause the inflammation to fade and any fluids trapped in the ear canal to drain. In many instances, the ears will begin to drain within twenty-four hours of beginning the medication, easing both the pain and the stuffiness as the fluids drain out of the ear.
People who experience swimmer’s ear often attempt to promote ear drainage in order to release water trapped in the middle ear or even behind the eardrum. Draining the ears is very important, as the trapped fluid can create the ideal environment for the development of bacteria. At times, use of a decongestant will help to ease the pain and also trigger the draining action. At other times, the use of over the counter products for swimmer’s ear is a good option. Many of these products come with a bubble syringe that can aid in removing the trapped fluid.
When ear wax hardens and begins to place pressure on the eardrum, the use of home remedies to loosen the wax are often helpful. Many people use some sort of oil to loosen the wax and allow it to drain from the ear. Other home remedies to promote ear drainage include the use of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or a combination of the two. However, care must be given when introducing one of these home remedies into the ear canal. Should any of the liquid collect behind the eardrum, an infection can set up and cause far more pain than the hardened wax.
When it is impossible to manage ear drainage at home using over the counter or home remedies, the services of a qualified physician should be sought immediately. There is a good chance the reason for the blockage is more severe than previously suspected, and will require shots of antibiotics or other procedures in order to allow the ear to drain properly once again.