Persistent Ear Infection
Approximately eight months ago, I experienced a mild ear infection that has since failed to resolve. My ears have begun discharging fluid, and the surrounding skin is peeling and has developed cuts. Despite visiting my general practitioner twice, I’ve been advised that it will eventually heal on its own. However, the situation seems to be deteriorating rather than improving. The discharge has a foul odor, and my ears are painful and appear quite unsightly. Should I consider consulting a specialist for further evaluation?
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 1:30:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's concerning to hear about your persistent ear infection and the symptoms you're describing, including discharging fluid, peeling skin, and pain. These symptoms suggest that the situation may not be resolving as expected and could require further evaluation.
Explanation: Persistent ear infections can sometimes lead to conditions like chronic otitis media or external otitis, especially if there is discharge with a foul odor, which may indicate an infection that needs more focused treatment. The presence of cuts and peeling skin can also contribute to discomfort and may suggest an underlying skin issue or an infection that is not healing properly.
Given that you have already sought advice from your general practitioner on two occasions without improvement, it is reasonable to consider seeking a specialist's opinion. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can provide a more thorough examination and may conduct tests to identify the cause of the infection, specifically addressing the chronic nature of your symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Seek a Specialist: Schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist as soon as possible to receive a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
- Maintain Ear Hygiene: Gently clean the outer ear with a soft cloth; avoid inserting anything into the ear canal to prevent further irritation or injury.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the amount and nature of the discharge, pain levels, and any additional symptoms like fever. Note these changes for your visit to the specialist.
- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from potential irritants such as loud noises, water exposure (swimming, showering), and harsh skin products around your ears until you receive professional advice.
Addressing this condition promptly is essential to prevent further complications, and seeking specialized care is a positive step towards healing. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further information!
Related Questions
Is It Necessary to Ask My Mom for a Hospital Visit? Seeking Genuine Advice
Greetings, I apologize if I’m not in the right forum, but I genuinely require some guidance from others. To provide some context, I’m an 18-year-old female, and there have been some concerning developments since my period ended last week. I’m experiencing a variety of symptoms: - My menstrual cycle is irregular. - Unwanted hair growth, particularly on my face. - Persistent fatigue, often feeling the need to sleep excessively. - A constant sense of sadness and depression. - Significant hair loss, which includes strands from my eyebrows and eyelashes (this has been particularly disheartening). - Low energy levels and fatigue, making it tough to concentrate, alongside experiencing brain fog. - Shortness of breath, whether at rest or while sleeping. - Acne and excessively oily skin. - Stomach discomfort. - A general lack of motivation to engage in activities I once enjoyed. This list barely scratches the surface, as there are other symptoms I can’t quite articulate. Should I consider getting tested for hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Would it be sensible to persuade my mom to take me for medical tests? Am I possibly overreacting? Should I genuinely be concerned? Each morning, I notice significant hair loss in the sink as I wash my face, and when I run my fingers through my hair, I can feel clumps falling out. My ongoing exhaustion is troubling me as well. I would appreciate any kindness and guidance on what steps I should take next and which tests might be worthwhile considering. Thank you for your understanding and patience with my post. Once again, I apologize if this isn’t the appropriate platform for my concerns.
Concerns About My Eye Discoloration?
I am a 26-year-old woman in generally good health. I would appreciate your input regarding some photos I will post in the comments. Do my eyes appear to be in a normal state, or could the discoloration indicate jaundice or another issue? I first noticed a yellowish tint on the sclera (the white part of my eyes) about a month ago; it’s more pronounced along the edges and underneath where the skin typically covers. Additionally, I've recently observed a blue tinge on the whites of my eyes as well! I had an appointment with an ophthalmologist back in December, and everything seemed fine at that time, apart from a slight vision impairment. I am not experiencing any other health concerns. Thank you for your help!
30-Year-Old Female with RUQ Discomfort and Digestive Issues - Possible Gallbladder Concerns?
Hello everyone, I’m a 30-year-old female from the UK. I’m currently taking mirtazapine and thyroxine, and I do not consume alcohol. For the past few months, I've been contending with several troubling symptoms: - Intense pain in the right upper quadrant, which occasionally radiates to my back. - Frequent nausea and vomiting, particularly after consuming fatty meals. - Daily occurrences of steatorrhea, characterized by pale, greasy stools that tend to float. - One particularly severe episode resulted in extreme RUQ tenderness upon examination, leading to a visit to Accident & Emergency where I was given IV antibiotics. - There has been some slight, temporary relief when adhering to a low-fat diet. Here's a summary of the tests conducted and their results so far: - Faecal elastase levels were measured at 1138, indicating normal pancreatic function. - Calprotectin levels returned normal. - Liver function tests revealed: - GGT was mildly elevated yet categorized as “normal” (65). - ALT and ALP levels have shown an upward trend over time. - During my A&E visit, my eGFR was noted to have dropped to 53 but later returned to approximately 88. - An ultrasound of the gallbladder showed normal results with no stones detected, although it’s unclear if the gallbladder’s functionality was evaluated. - I am still awaiting results from some blood tests, including thyroid autoantibodies and a blood film. Currently, there is no follow-up plan or guidance provided. I’m seeking suggestions or advice on how to proceed and what questions I should ask during my next appointment.
Concerned About Blood Vomiting?
I’m a 19-year-old female, and I’m feeling quite anxious about something that just happened. After wiping my mouth, I noticed blood, and when I looked in the toilet, there was even more—much more than what I had initially noticed. It resembled a large dot, perhaps even a bit larger. Could this be a clot? When I touched it, it had a jelly-like consistency. I apologize for bringing this up, and I know it might seem like a silly inquiry, but I’m genuinely worried and uncertain if this is serious or not.
Concerns About My Baby's Eye: What Could It Be?
Hello everyone, I just took my five-month-old daughter, who is exclusively breastfed, to the pharmacy, but the pharmacist informed me that they don't handle eye issues. As a result, we're left waiting until morning to see someone qualified for a proper examination. In the meantime, I would appreciate any insights you might share regarding her eye condition. There appear to be tiny pimple-like bumps surrounding her eye. They don't seem to cause her any discomfort, and while I think she may have experienced similar spots before, I can't recall clearly. Thank you in advance for your help!