It is usually recommended that a  tympanostomy tubes (more commonly known as ear tubes) are recommend after dealing with repeated ear infections. The tiny tubes are placed surgically in the eardrums and works by channeling drainage out of the ear.

When should you worry about drainage ?

A common concern parents have is blood and other drainage coming from the child’s ear in the days following surgery. However the drainage actually indicates that the tubes are doing their job.

Early drainage is usually not a cause for concern. However in the weeks and months following an ear tube placement , drainage may be an indication of an ear infection  and this is often treated with a topical antibiotics.

Ear drainage can be a problem if its happening chronically. That is its happening for more than a month even with antibiotic drops. It is important to follow up with your surgeon for evaluation  if drainage becomes chronic .

How long will the drainage last ?

Drainage happens when the child gets an active ear infection.  It will likely occur when the child gets an upper respiratory infection or ear infection until the tube falls out. This is usually between 8 to 14 months after surgery.

What kind of ear drops should be used ?

Your child surgeon is likely to recommend ear drops  to help keep your child’s tube clear of any blood or debris  that may  appear in the first week of surgery. Saline and antibiotics work well when the child’s ear is not actively infected at the time of tube placement .

Even when you use drops,  it is fairly common to see drainage in the month after surgery.

How does ear tube surgery help with future infections ?

Lets say your child develops an ear infection after surgery, the idea is that instead of the infected fluid staying in the eardrum, it will have a way to escape. That is the whole purpose of ear tubes.

However most infections are viral so antibiotics drops will not improve it and it will run its course. However antibiotics will shorten the duration of bacterial infection.

When your child experiences drainage, clean his or her  ears with a washcloth to help keep his or her ears dry and prevent irritation of the skin.