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Ear Bleeding Concern

2/16/2026, 1:40:18 AMMale25-34

Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and maintaining an average physique. I take a daily dose of 10 mg of escitalopram. I’m reaching out in hopes of gaining some insight into my current condition. Recently, I’ve been experiencing a painful sore throat that has made it quite challenging to consume food and beverages. While I haven't developed any additional cold symptoms, I have been treating myself with cold and flu medications and have been hydrating with honey and lemon-infused drinks when possible. However, tonight, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my ear, and upon touching it, I noticed some blood. The bleeding has been relatively slow throughout the evening, yet just a moment ago, I felt a clot dislodge from my ear when I tilted my head. The clot is approximately an inch long and has a somewhat slimy consistency. Although I intended to consult a pharmacist tomorrow, my housemate is now quite concerned, prompting me to seek advice here.

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

2/16/2026, 1:40:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms, including ear bleeding and pain, alongside a sore throat. While these issues may be related, it's essential to understand the potential causes and how to address them promptly.

Main Points:

  1. Ear bleeding and pain can indicate an infection, injury, or other ear issues.
  2. Sore throats can be linked to both infections and other causes, such as allergies.
  3. It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and take some immediate steps to care for yourself.

Explanation: The bleeding from your ear could arise from a few possibilities, such as an ear infection (otitis media), a ruptured eardrum, or irritation due to pressure changes, especially if you've been dealing with throat problems. The presence of a thick clot and blood suggests that there may also be inflammation or infection in the ear.

Sore throats can often accompany ear discomfort, particularly if a viral or bacterial infection is present. While cold and flu medications can help with symptoms, they may not address the underlying issue.

Next Steps:

  1. Avoid Irritation: Keep your ear dry and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, including cotton swabs.
  2. Monitor Symptoms: Note if the bleeding increases, if you develop fever, dizziness, or increased pain, as these can indicate a more serious issue.
  3. Pain Relief: Continue using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with discomfort.
  4. Hydration and Rest: Maintain hydration and ensure you rest to help your body recover from any infection.
  5. Seek Timely Care: Since your symptoms have escalated and ear bleeding can indicate a medical concern, consider seeking medical attention sooner rather than later rather than waiting to see a pharmacist.

It’s understandable for both you and your housemate to be concerned about these symptoms, so please take care of yourself and follow up promptly if things worsen or do not improve.

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