Experiencing a Strange Flaky Sound and Pain in My Ear
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing 97 pounds and standing at 5'1". I’m currently on a regimen that includes sertraline and latuda, and I’ve received diagnoses for OCD, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 2:10:23 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a strange flaky sound and pain in your ear can be concerning, especially in the context of your mental health diagnoses and medications. This could indicate a few issues such as earwax buildup, an ear infection, or issues related to your Eustachian tube.
Explanation:
The “flaky sound” you mention might be due to fluid changes or pressure in your ear, possibly linked to allergies or congestion. Pain could suggest inflammation or infection in the ear, which may require attention. Given your history and current medication, it’s essential to approach this carefully to avoid complications.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes or new symptoms, such as swelling, fever, or a change in hearing. Keeping a record of what you experience, including when the noise and pain occur, can be helpful.
-
Hydrate and Manage Allergies: Stay well-hydrated and consider over-the-counter antihistamines if you suspect allergies or congestion might be contributing to your symptoms. Avoid any known allergens when possible.
-
Ear Care: Avoid inserting anything into your ear, including cotton swabs. If you suspect excessive earwax, you may use saline nasal drops or mineral oil cautiously to soften it.
-
Soothe Pain: You can use a warm compress over the affected ear to alleviate pain. Non-prescription pain relievers (if appropriate for you) like ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.
-
Assess for Urgency: If the pain worsens, the sound persists for more than a few days, or if you develop other symptoms like fever, dizziness, or hearing loss, these are signals to seek further help.
It’s important to take these symptoms seriously, as they could lead to complications if unresolved. Please keep track of your symptoms, and know you’re not alone in this – reaching out for support is a good step forward.
Related Questions
Elbow Tendon-Like Structure After Intense Bicep Training: Should I Be Concerned?
Hello all! I'm a 24-year-old male, and I’d like to share a concern that has been on my mind. Approximately two months ago, I engaged in an intense bicep workout using a resistance band, and I may have overexerted myself. The following day, I experienced significant muscle soreness in both arms, similar to what one feels with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which persisted for about a week. To alleviate the discomfort, I used a topical pain relief gel, and thankfully, the soreness diminished gradually. After that week, I was able to move and stretch my arms completely without any limitation. However, a day after my challenging workout, I noticed something peculiar in my left arm (the right arm feels fine). There appears to be a hard, cord-like formation in the inner elbow area on the side of my thumb. This structure starts roughly 1.5 inches above the elbow crease and extends about an inch below it. It feels firm to the touch, akin to a tendon. When I flex my fingers or forearm, it moves slightly, yet its overall shape remains unchanged. Here are some key points to note: - Currently, there is no pain associated with it. - I don’t experience any weakness or limited movement. - There are no sensations of tingling or numbness. - The size of the structure has diminished a bit since my initial observation. - My right arm is completely unaffected by this. - I’ve paused all workouts since that incident. I sought the advice of a physician who examined the area and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication along with vitamin E. He reassured me that it was not a cause for concern; however, two months have elapsed since the incident (it occurred in mid-November), and the cord-like structure remains, prompting me to question whether this is part of a typical healing process or if such changes typically take a prolonged period to resolve. My inquiries are: - Is it typical for a condition like this to persist for several months? - When is it advisable for me to revisit strength training?
Seeking Answers During Difficult Times
Hello everyone, My stepfather, who was 80 years old, was taken to the hospital for a series of health assessments. He had multiple health issues, including heart failure, cachexia, which is a significant loss of weight and muscle, and sleep apnea. At home, he relied on a BiPAP machine during the night for his breathing. Unfortunately, my mother forgot to bring along his BiPAP mask when he was admitted. Shortly thereafter, his health began to decline rapidly. He fell into a coma and passed away around two weeks later. I can't help but feel that forgetting the mask played a role in this. What I'm struggling to comprehend is how these events unfolded from a medical standpoint. For a bit of background: Last summer, he had been on a ventilator and managed to recover from that crisis. However, after that instance, his health declined, leaving him weaker, with ongoing heart failure and cachexia. His breathing was quite labored during this time. Despite his sleep apnea being managed with BiPAP at home, once he was hospitalized and didn’t have the device (at least initially), his condition worsened quickly. I am in search of clarity during this challenging time.
Lower Right Abdominal Discomfort
Early this morning, I experienced a sudden ache in my lower abdomen which first appeared around 3 AM. Although I felt some discomfort while trying to sleep, I dismissed it as I was in a deep slumber. However, upon waking at 6 AM to use the restroom, the pain had intensified significantly. I decided to consult a physician around 10 AM. After examining me, they administered a 40 MG Esomeprazole injection via a canola and advised me to wait a few moments to assess whether it would alleviate my discomfort. Fortunately, it did help, and I was sent home with a prescription for additional medication. As the clock approached 2 PM, I began to notice a resurgence of the pain, albeit with a modified sensation. This time, the discomfort primarily manifested when I moved or walked, and I particularly felt a sharp pain in my lower right abdomen while coughing or during trips to the restroom. Now, at 8:50 PM, the pain persists and remains quite intense, with occasional episodes of sharp, sudden discomfort. I am a 14-year-old male, standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 100 kilograms. Although I am not experiencing nausea or fever, I do feel some chills. Any insights or possible explanations for my situation would be greatly appreciated.
Could This Incident Relate to Medical Malpractice?
I’m reflecting on an experience from a decade ago that might be linked to some ongoing health issues I now face. Back in 2016, I made a serious mistake by attempting to overdose on ibuprofen. I had prescription pills that were 800 mg each, and I estimate I consumed about twenty, though the specifics are hazy due to the time elapsed. Approximately eight hours post-ingestion, I found myself in an emergency department. I recall undergoing an electrocardiogram (EKG) and receiving IV fluids. At one point, the medical staff requested a urine sample. I tried to comply, but the urge to urinate eluded me. When I expressed my struggle, the nurse indicated that a catheter might be necessary if I continued to be unable to provide a sample; I agreed, unaware they might suspect I was hiding narcotics use. In reality, I was genuinely unable to urinate. I spent roughly twelve hours in the ER, enduring significant bladder pressure without being able to relieve myself. Subsequently, I was transferred to a psychiatric facility where they also requested urine, but again, I couldn’t manage it. Despite my repeated pleas about the intense discomfort I was experiencing, no assistance was offered. For at least two entire days, I didn’t urinate, enduring severe pain that felt invisible to the medical staff. Eventually, when I finally did manage to go, the urine was a dark hue, and bladder pain lingered for several days afterward. After my release, I was directed to a psychiatrist, but no follow-up was arranged for the physical complaints I had endured. I'm left wondering if the absence of alarming findings during my ER visit contributed to that lack of further investigation. Since that incident, I’ve frequently felt a pressure in my bladder and the urgency to urinate. For a while, this was manageable, but it has escalated in recent times. Additionally, I have had several urinary tract infections (UTIs) over the years. While I seek treatment whenever these infections occur, I haven't undergone any thorough assessments related to my bladder problems. Ultimately, I'm left questioning whether the two-day period of not being able to urinate could be tied to the symptoms I currently experience, and if the medical team could have handled the situation differently.
Seeking Urgent Guidance on Benzodiazepines and Mood Stabilizers
At 23 years of age, I stand 186 cm tall and weigh 89 kg. I have a habit of smoking cigarettes frequently, yet I abstain from consuming alcohol. ***Diagnoses:*** **Insomnia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder (DPDR), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)** ***Medications:*** **Clonazepam (2mg), Lorazepam (2.5mg), Eszopiclone (3mg), Sertraline (150mg), Sodium Valproate (1000mg)** It’s currently 3:17 AM, but it feels as though time has come to a standstill some minutes ago. I’m reaching out because I’m overwhelmed and can scarcely type due to the tremors in my hands. I made my way into the kitchen intending to grab a glass of water, but as I approached the counter, I was startled to see all the medication bottles sitting there, wide open. Every last one of them: Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Eszopiclone, and the mood stabilizers, each with their caps removed as if they had all surrendered in battle. Turning to my planner, I checked Tuesday's entry. Nothing listed. Wednesday? Blank. Thursday? Same emptiness. I suspect I might have woken up an hour prior, forgotten I had already taken my doses, and ingested them again. And perhaps again after that. My doctor had warned me about the haze that can come with sleep medications like these. My mind seemed to operate without me: spot the bottle, uncork it, consume the content, and repeat—like a malfunctioning device. The taste in my mouth is reminiscent of chalk mixed with metal, and the floor beneath me feels unstable, as if the ground beneath me were tilting like a distressed ship. I grapple with the calculations, how many milligrams have I ingested? My stomach feels like a swirling concoction of chemicals. I feel weighty—not tired, but as if I’m being dragged down, as though an increased gravity weighs down my eyelids. I realize that sleeping is not an option; I must avoid that at all costs. However, the overwhelming silence is becoming deafening. I find myself in dire need of guidance. Should I try to induce vomiting? Drink some water? Or should I simply let everything drift into sleep?