What it is
Discharge of fluid — from ears, nose, wounds, or surgical sites — which signals ongoing inflammation, infection, or healing and warrants attention to its character and context.
Emerging evidence
Drainage
Discharge of fluid — from ears, nose, wounds, or surgical sites — which signals ongoing inflammation, infection, or healing and warrants attention to its character and context.
CategoryDigestive
Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Drainage at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Most people are familiar with nasal drainage from colds or allergies. Ear drainage is less expected and tends to be alarming. Wound drainage generates concern about infection. The tendency to manage drainage cosmetically or tolerate it without investigation can delay identification of ongoing infection or pathology.
Evidence context
