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Earache, ear drainage, or ear bleeding

Also called: Earache, ear pain, ear drainage, ear bleeding

Pain in or around the ear, sometimes with fluid or blood draining. Common causes are ear infections, swimmer's ear, pressure changes, and pain spread from the jaw or teeth.

Common causesEar infection, swimmer's ear, jaw pain
UrgentAfter head injury or with fever and swelling behind the ear

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Ear pain

Less common

  • Drainage
  • Muffled hearing

When to get medical care

Call 911Ear bleeding after a head injury, or clear fluid from the ear.
Get care todaySwelling behind the ear, high fever, or severe pain.
See a doctor soonEar pain over 2 days.

Causes

Infection, pressure, jaw.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Children

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician looks in the ear.

Treatment

Ease pain.

Self-care

  • Warm compress
  • Pain relievers
  • Keep water out of the ear

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain and fever relievers
Pain and feverNo ibuprofen under 6 months; dose by weight.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Earache, ear drainage, or ear bleeding

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.