What Causes Ear Discharge With Dizziness?

Posted on Thu, 18 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 Answered on

Wed, 7 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : ear secretion & dizziness form a lying position last 2 nights. Recent climate changes from 6 week trip.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
a couple causes

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
The two main causes of ear drainage are otitis externa which is an infection in the ear canal and otitis media with perforation.
Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear and this would cause pain and possibly hearing loss but not drainage unless the ear drum is perforated. If that occurs it could drain out pus.
There are many causes for dizziness. it could be from the otitis media but not likely from an otitis extterna.
Make sure you are well hydrated and I would not suggest ear irrigation until you have a doctor look in your ear and make sure there is no perforation in the ear drum.
Irrigation is fine if it is an ear canal infection or just wax but it can be dangerous if there is a hole in the ear drum.
Please let me know if you have other questions.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar