Q: Hello doc. Thanks for your usual support. What could be the cause of discharge from the ear? It comes and goes like once or twice a year for like five years now. There is neither fever nor pain but a tingling sensation. What could be d underlying problem?

A: Ear infections could lead to discharge of pus from the ear. Examples include:

• Otitis media
• Otitis media with effusion
• Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear)

In otitis media, there is an infection of the middle ear and happens when an upper respiratory tract infection introduces bacteria into the ear. The infection could also be viral. Fluid builds up in the middle ear.

In otitis media with effusion, pus forms as the body tries to fight the infection. This leads to more fluid collection and this pushes against the ear drum. This pressure can build up to the extent that the ear drum…