Seeking Help: Unexplained Issues with My Ear Canals
I am a 21-year-old female with a medical history that includes domestic violence, Factor V Leiden, asthma, elevated ANA and C3 levels, low IGA, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recently, I have been experiencing some unusual and troubling issues with my ear canals. Despite multiple consultations, including visits to an ENT specialist and subsequent referrals to an immunologist and another ENT as well as a dermatologist, no one has been able to determine the cause of my symptoms. My ear canal seems to have flare-ups unpredictably, presenting with white patches and striations in red and white. The discomfort is significant, with episodes of swelling that sometimes completely shut the canal, accompanied by a burning sensation and considerable pain. I take great care not to use cotton swabs or insert any objects into my ears and do my best to prevent water from entering them, yet the situation persists. The only treatment that has brought me any level of comfort has been steroids and steroid drops. At this stage, we've excluded common fungal and bacterial infections, along with psoriasis as the potential cause of my condition. I'm open to any advice or recommendations you might have! Previously, I encountered inner ear infections, but those seem to have improved thanks to a nasal spray I was using. Now, it's solely the outer ear that remains an enigma. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my message and offer insights!
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 12:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing issues you're experiencing with your ear canals. Given the complexity of your medical history and the symptoms you’ve described, it's understandable that this situation is concerning for you. Let's focus on what you might do to manage your symptoms more effectively and explore potential next steps.
Key Points:
- You experience significant discomfort in your ear canals, characterized by white patches, swelling, and burning sensations.
- Despite various consultations, a definitive diagnosis has not yet been reached.
- You've found some relief with steroids and drops, but the situation remains unresolved.
Explanation:
It sounds like you may be dealing with a condition affecting the outer ear that could be allergic, inflammatory, or even related to your history of immune system issues considering your low IgA and elevated ANA levels. The unpredictability of flare-ups suggests that there could be triggers that are not yet identified, possibly including environmental factors or sensitivities.
Next Steps:
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Identify Potential Triggers:
- Keep a detailed symptom diary to note when flare-ups occur and any potential triggers (foods, environmental allergens, stress, etc.). This can be invaluable in identifying patterns or potential irritants.
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Consider Allergy Testing:
- If not already done, discuss the possibility of comprehensive allergy testing with your healthcare providers. Given your history with asthma and immune issues, identifying any environmental or contact allergens could help manage symptoms.
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Modify Your Environment:
- Ensure that your living space is free from allergens (like dust, pet dander, or molds). Regular cleaning can help, as well as using air purifiers if necessary.
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Gentle Care Practices:
- Since you already avoid cotton swabs, consider applying a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to the outer ear (not inside) if comfort allows, particularly after washing or exposure to water. This can help maintain moisture balance without causing irritation.
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Discuss Treatment Options:
- Since steroid drops provide some relief, work closely with your doctor to optimize this treatment. Ask if there's an option to adjust the dosage or try a different formulation to better manage inflammation and pain.
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Regular Monitoring:
- Schedule follow-ups with your ENT or dermatologist to review your symptoms regularly. Keeping them informed about any patterns or changes can aid in managing your condition more effectively.
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Evaluate Systemic Factors:
- Given your medical history, discuss with your healthcare provider whether any systemic issues related to your immune system could be influencing your ear problems.
It’s important to advocate for yourself and remain engaged with your healthcare team, especially given the lack of definitive answers so far. Keep pursuing comfort and improvements in your quality of life. If new symptoms arise or if your current symptoms worsen, stay vigilant and relay that information to your providers promptly. Please take care!
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