Otorrhea in Children

Otorrhea refers to the discharge of fluid from the ear. It can occur due to issues in the external ear canal or middle ear problems involving a perforation in the tympanic membrane. To discern the primary reasons behind otorrhea in children, a thorough examination and medical history are essential. The majority of children experiencing otorrhea are typically diagnosed with bacterial otitis externa or acute otitis media featuring a perforated tympanic membrane. Also, button batteries require emergent removal because pressure necrosis and/or severe burns from residual electric current or leakage of caustic contents may rapidly lead to extensive damage to adjacent structures. Patients who appear unwell or exhibit otorrhea following head trauma necessitate immediate and thorough efforts to diagnose and address potential life-threatening factors contributing to otorrhea, such as basilar skull fractures, necrotizing otitis externa, or infectious complications associated with acute otitis media. Otorrhea presents a common challenge for otolaryngologists, with its causes ranging from relatively harmless to severe and life-threatening conditions. Consequently, an accurate determination of the underlying cause becomes paramount in establishing an effective treatment plan. In this discussion, we will focus on the most prevalent causes of otorrhea in children and provide guidance on decision-making for management based on a precise diagnosis.