US Medical Term · symptoms
Discharge
Secreción
Also: Flujo (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Discharge |
| Spanish (Español) | Secreción |
| Chinese (中文) | 分泌物 |
| Korean (한국어) | 분비물 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Dịch tiết |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pagdagas |
| Portuguese (Português) | Secreção |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | สารคัดหลั่ง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 分泌物 |
What it means
Discharge refers to fluid or secretions coming from a body opening or wound that differ from what is normal. Examples include nasal discharge, eye discharge, nipple discharge, vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, or drainage from a wound or ear. The significance depends on the color, consistency, odor, and location. Unusual discharge that is yellow, green, bloody, or foul-smelling often indicates infection. Nipple discharge in non-breastfeeding individuals should always be evaluated. New or changed discharge from any site warrants medical assessment to determine if infection, inflammation, hormonal changes, or other underlying conditions require treatment.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have noticed an unusual discharge with an unpleasant odor.
He notado una secreción inusual con un olor desagradable.
There is a yellow discharge coming from my ear.
Hay una secreción amarilla saliendo de mi oído.
I have a discharge from my nipple even though I am not breastfeeding.
Tengo una secreción del pezón aunque no estoy amamantando.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026