Foul Odor and Discharge from Ear
A 36-year-old woman, with a height of 5 feet 6 inches and an approximate weight of 15 stone, has been grappling with some health issues including endometriosis, adenomyosis, and osteoarthritis, for which she is prescribed sertraline and oxycodone. For an extended period, she has been experiencing a foul-smelling discharge from her ear, a situation that has progressively deteriorated. This individual has also suffered significant hearing loss in the affected ear, a condition that dates back to her childhood. In her earlier years, she underwent various surgical procedures including grommet placements, T-tube insertions, and perforation repairs. Towards the end of the previous year, she consulted an ENT specialist who applied a Vaseline-like treatment to her ear. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend the follow-up appointment since it coincided with a colonoscopy appointment, and she has not received any updates since informing them of her circumstances. Recently, upon waking, she noticed a considerable amount of discharge in her hair, which carries an unpleasant odor reminiscent of a wet dog. Currently, she is uncertain whether the substance on her eardrum resembles a scab or something else entirely.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 12:01:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and concern regarding a foul-smelling discharge from your ear, alongside hearing loss and a history of ear surgeries. This situation clearly needs attention, especially given the symptoms you've described.
Key Points:
- Foul Odor and Discharge: This can indicate an ear infection, possible perforation in the eardrum, or other issues that need to be addressed by a healthcare professional.
- Hearing Loss: The combination of your long-term hearing loss alongside the new symptoms heightens the need for medical evaluation.
- Missed Follow-Up: Since you couldn't attend your follow-up appointment, it’s important to prioritize rescheduling this visit.
Explanation:
The foul discharge and odor you are experiencing could be caused by various issues, such as an infection (like otitis externa or media), a complication from your previous surgeries, or a reaction from the treatment previously applied. The odor resembling that of a wet dog can sometimes indicate a bacterial infection, which might also explain the discharge and any worsening of your hearing.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Care: Gently clean your ear with a soft tissue to remove any visible discharge, but avoid inserting anything into your ear.
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Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: Contact your ENT specialist as soon as possible to reschedule your missed appointment. Let them know about the worsening symptoms. They may need to perform a thorough examination and possibly take cultures of the discharge.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or further changes in hearing. This information will be important for your healthcare provider.
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Avoid Irritation: Try to keep the ear dry and avoid getting water in it until you can see a specialist.
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Consideration of Pain Management: If your symptoms worsen or you experience significant pain, follow up with your primary care provider or an urgent care facility for potential pain management.
Your health and comfort are important, and prompt evaluation will help in finding a proper treatment plan. If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to share!
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