When Is Ear Drainage a Medical Emergency?
When Is Ear Drainage a Medical Emergency?Answer: There are a few different types of ear drainage, including blood, clear or milky white liquid, and — most commonly — ear wax. Drainage may also be a sort of combination of the three. Ear wax is yellow to orange-brown in color and is generally not a medical problem. Other types of drainage, however, can indicate conditions that may require medical attention. Ear Drainage Caused by a Ruptured Ear Drum In most cases, a ruptured ear drum is not a medical emergency; however, it should be checked out by a doctor. The ear drainage in this condition is usually clear, but may be slightly tinged with blood. There typically is only a small amount of drainage. A ruptured ear drum can occur from