Concern Over Ear Infection Symptoms: Should I Return to My Doctor?
I'm a 20-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 130 pounds, and I was recently diagnosed with an ear infection that started around five days ago. There was no clear cause like a cold or virus; it just seemed to appear unexpectedly. However, over the last day, my symptoms have worsened considerably. My ability to hear from the affected ear has diminished, leaving it feeling very muffled. The discomfort has escalated significantly, and despite taking over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, the pain has disrupted my sleep for several hours over the past two nights. Today, I noticed a concerning development: my ear has begun to leak a thin, bloody fluid. At my last visit to the primary care physician, I was given a prescription for amoxicillin, but I was instructed to hold off on taking it for a few days. According to my doctor, many ear infections tend to resolve on their own. Now, I am considering starting the antibiotics as prescribed, but I’m uncertain if the issues with my hearing and the bleeding are serious enough to warrant a follow-up appointment. Any advice would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 11:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing worsening symptoms from your ear infection, and the fact that you're seeing a bloody discharge and having significant pain and decreased hearing is definitely concerning. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and recommended next steps.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms have worsened with significant pain, muffled hearing, and bloody discharge.
- While some ear infections resolve on their own, your current symptoms suggest a potential complication that should be addressed promptly.
Explanation:
Ear infections can lead to fluid buildup and inflammation in the middle ear, and when severe, they may cause bleeding and affect hearing. The presence of a bloody fluid specifically indicates that the infection may be more serious, possibly affecting the eardrum or surrounding structures. The fact that over-the-counter pain relief is not adequately controlling your discomfort is another important factor to consider.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Doctor Today: Given the new symptoms (muffled hearing and bloody discharge), it's essential to inform your doctor about these changes, even if your previous guidance was to wait. Many doctors have protocols for urgent cases, and they may want to reassess your situation.
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Consider Taking the Antibiotics: If your doctor agrees when you discuss this, starting the amoxicillin can help treat the infection more effectively, particularly if there's a risk of it getting worse.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any further changes such as the amount and nature of the discharge, any increase in pain, or further loss of hearing. This will be useful information for your doctor.
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Seek Immediate Attention if Needed: If you experience severe pain, significant dizziness, fever, or any worsening of symptoms, do not wait for a follow-up; seek medical help promptly.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon. Please let me know if you need any further clarification or support!
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