Ongoing Ear Problems Over the Years
(M18) For the last few years, I've been experiencing strange issues with my left ear. Just yesterday, it began to bleed, and this morning, I noticed something unusual coming from it. This isn't the first time I've dealt with bleeding; it’s happened before. When I was around 15, I sought help from an ENT specialist. During the examination, he observed a white object inside my ear, suggesting it could either be a tube that failed to come out from my childhood or, more seriously, a tumor. Unfortunately, I never scheduled a follow-up appointment after that assessment.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 12:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about recurrent issues with your ear, especially with symptoms like bleeding and unusual discharge. Given your history, it’s important to address this properly.
Key Points:
- Ongoing ear problems, including bleeding and discharge, can be signs of underlying issues that require attention.
- Past findings of a white object could indicate a retained foreign body or other complications.
Explanation: Bleeding from the ear can arise from various conditions such as infections, injury, or even earwax buildup that can lead to inflammation. Given that you've had similar issues previously, it’s crucial to assess whether there’s something more serious at play. The presence of discharge and previous findings might warrant serious attention.
Next Steps:
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Avoid additional trauma to the ear: Gently clean the area around your ear but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes, such as increased pain, changes in the amount of discharge, or signs of infection (like fever or swelling).
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Hydration and Comfort: Maintain hydration and consider using a warm compress on the outside of the ear to ease discomfort.
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Seek timely medical evaluation: Given the bleeding and your history, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider or ENT specialist as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging or other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
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Keep a record of symptoms: Note any new symptoms, the timing of bleeding, and the characteristics of the discharge to discuss with your doctor.
Reaching out for help is important, and it's never too late to follow up on past evaluations to ensure your ear health is properly managed. Let me know if you need more specific advice or assistance!
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