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Discharge From a Child's Ear

Ear discharge is fluid that drains from the ear canal. The fluid may be clear, cloudy, bloody or pus-like depending on the cause.

Swimmer’s ear, a middle-ear infection with a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, skin irritation and injuries can all cause drainage. Blood or clear fluid can also occur after significant trauma.

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AAP Guide to Ear Discharge in Children

The AAP guide below explains common causes of ear discharge, what to do while you wait and when your child needs care.

AAP Symptom CheckerEar discharge

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • New drainage appears from the ear.
  • Drainage comes with pain, fever or hearing changes.
  • Blood drains from the ear without an obvious minor scratch.
  • Drainage persists or follows an ear or head injury.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A significant head injury caused blood or clear fluid to drain from the ear.
  • Your child has severe illness, altered alertness or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms