Why does my ear bleed?
The most important thing is that the symptom is rare, but can be very dangerous. If even a little blood comes from the ear, the root of the problem is deep and has already affected the vital organs that are connected to the ear, nose, and throat. In addition, be careful because if no measures are taken, you may lose the ability to hear.
Hemolymph can be released due to damage to blood vessels, or due to damage to certain parts of the tissue.
The presence of blood does not indicate an injury. You can't rely on the fact that there is a boil in your ear or that you suddenly scratch yourself. To feel calm, you need to go to the doctor.
Diseases of the ENT organs are the profession of an otolaryngologist. He will examine the patient, collect anamnesis, possibly prescribe some diagnostic tests, and only after that will propose a treatment regimen.
Bleeding from the ear is always a cause for concern about health. This is a symptom of the seriousness of the situation; it will not go away on its own, and over time the condition can only worsen, causing complications.
Etiology of the disease
There are many known causes and factors that directly affect the rate of development of this pathological condition. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which cholesterol plaques gradually begin to deposit on the walls of blood vessels that supply the brain and eardrums. This pathological condition is fraught not only with hearing loss, but also with much more serious consequences.
More often, a similar problem is observed in people who tend to consume excessive amounts of animal fats. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to blockage of blood vessels with cholesterol. Smoking and frequent drinking of alcohol provoke the development of atherosclerosis of the ear. Another factor influencing the rate of formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels is living in environmentally unfavorable areas. Systematic entry of heavy metals into the body can provoke the accumulation of toxins and lead to the formation of such complications in the circulatory system.
Some endocrine diseases that contribute to lipid metabolism disorders can also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis of the ear. In addition, it is believed that stress under certain circumstances causes such a problem. The reasons, therefore, are rooted in deviations in the neuroendocrine regulation of lipid metabolism. The genetic factor is also of no small importance. People who have relatives suffering from this pathology are at particular risk.
Causes
Blood formation in the ear canal can occur for several reasons.
Mechanical damage
The most common reason for bloody discharge from the ears is the presence of an injury. They are easy to notice, just like eliminating them. There are other reasons that can form blood, let's consider them in detail.
Infection
- An inflammatory process or the presence of pathological microorganisms can cause bloody masses to be released. Pus with blood from the ear appears along with increased temperature, general malaise and the presence of pain.
- Otitis media is another reason why the ear may bleed. The disease is of viral or fungal origin; a more accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after examination and taking certain tests - only in this way will it be clear what the problem is with the organ. This is an alarming signal, indicating that the disease is in an advanced form and urgent treatment is necessary to avoid hearing loss. Blood from the ear with otitis media requires specialized assistance.
- Because of polyps. As a rule, no one even knows about the disease. It is because of this that the affected areas quickly increase in size. The patient's condition must be monitored by a doctor in order to cure the ear, and there were no problems with hearing.
Neoplasms
Bleeding from the ear is sometimes a consequence of cancer. It does not mean at all that if a person has blood, it is a malignant tumor - it may not have metastases: to determine specifically, it will be necessary to do a biopsy. There may be additional symptoms:
- dizziness;
- frequent headaches;
- general weakness;
- the appearance of black spots in the eyes;
- loss of appetite, etc.
For diseases not related to ENT
Less commonly, it happens that blood in the ears is separated due to the presence of foreign objects in the ear. Tissues are constantly injured, and if the object is not removed in a timely manner, it is quite possible that the appearance of hemorrhage will be a constant concern. In fact, eliminating the cause is very simple; an experienced doctor will do everything in 5 minutes, without pain or other unpleasant sensations.
If a boil forms, it is possible that it will also provoke discharge. If the boil is carelessly picked off, it may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations (pain, burning), you will see blood in the ear.
Candidiasis affecting the ear is a pathology that is also accompanied by bleeding. It occurs due to infection by fungi of the Candida subspecies, the walls of the vessels through which blood flows become inflamed, and over time they become thinner, which sometimes causes bleeding.
Diagnosis of the problem
The doctor conducts a tactile and visual examination and, if necessary, performs an otoscopy , which will identify any damage in the ear.
If chronic purulent otitis is suspected, differential diagnosis of epitympanitis from mesotympanitis using X-rays and computed tomography . fluid samples will be taken for analysis. Thanks to research, the doctor can:
- determine the presence of inflammation in the hearing organ;
- identify the exact causative agent of the infection;
- determine the stage of the process;
- find out if there are any complications.
After making a diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe effective medications.
How to stop ear bleeding
Mechanical damage occurs as a result of bruises, as well as other types of skull injuries. This often occurs due to severe bruises, no matter whether it is a blunt or a sharp object. If an injury has been sustained, then it is necessary to assess the degree of threat to general well-being and assess the scale of the damage received. Even if the blood does not separate much, it is necessary to take measures. If you notice that there is bleeding from your nose and ears, then it is important to understand that the damage to your health is serious.
Do the following:
- immobilize the patient to avoid an increase in blood pressure - because of this, the bleeding will be stronger, and overall health will worsen, and the patient should under no circumstances lose large volumes of blood - this is fraught with consequences;
- if there is a wound, then we clean it, remove sulfur, as well as foreign objects;
- when the wound is complex, it is better not to do anything, so as not to further aggravate the problem;
- rinse the wound under running water, preferably with ice-cold water, as this leads to vasoconstriction, which will stop the bleeding;
- apply a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide - this will stop the bleeding;
- to avoid infection, use ointments that contain antiseptics and antibiotics;
First aid may vary depending on the cause of the ear bleeding.
You must not only stop the bleeding - you must find out the cause of this condition; this will require a consultation with an ENT specialist.
It is important to use medicinal herbs to stop bleeding from the ears during a bruise, head injury or injury. The most commonly used are knotweed, rowan, and nettle. It is worth remembering that if bleeding has started, do not use alcohol tinctures - ethanol promotes vasodilation, and this will provoke even more bleeding.
First aid at home
Even if there is not much fluid coming out of the ear, still take at least minimal measures to stop it. If bleeding occurs from the ear when cleaning with a cotton swab, contact a specialized otolaryngologist to find out the reason why this is happening. If the outer ear has been injured, then you should do the following:
- moisten a cotton wool or bandage in hydrogen peroxide and place it in the ear - this liquid stops the bleeding;
- make a not very tight bandage from sterile bandages - this will help stop the bleeding for a while;
- Apply an ice cube to the wound - this will help narrow the blood vessels.
Treatment of bleeding from the ears
If you notice that there is bleeding from your ear, and this happens regularly, this is a reason to contact an otolaryngologist. For this purpose, pharmacological drugs are used, sometimes patients are recommended to undergo surgical intervention, folk remedies (as an addition to treatment). Let's look at the most popular ways to get rid of ear bleeding.
Medication
Hemostatics – used in complex therapy for pain and discharge. First aid for bleeding from the ear is always to stop the bleeding as soon as possible, preventing large losses by the patient.
The following pharmaceuticals are used:
- Ambien is a drug that inhibits the synthesis of fibrinolysis, which is involved in blood thinning;
- "Gelofusin" - replaces plasma, it is prescribed to patients if there has been a large loss of blood;
- “Medical gelatin” is collagen that accelerates the coagulation process.
In general, there are quite a lot of medications, but medications are used as prescribed by the doctor. Also, hemostatic medications should not be used for thrombosis, renal and liver failure.
Surgery
The patient needs surgical assistance if the head injuries are serious; surgery is also prescribed if the person has neoplasms. In general, only a specialist can accurately answer the question. The patient needs surgery if purulent otitis media has been diagnosed and the ear is bleeding constantly.
After surgery, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for a certain time so that the doctor can monitor the general condition of the patient. After the doctor is convinced that the health of the recovering person is not in danger, he is discharged.
If you have bloody discharge from your ears due to a runny nose, you should also consult an otolaryngologist. This condition can cause complex pathologies.
Treatment methods
Treatment of a symptom directly depends on the cause of its development. A patient complaining of malaise will need to be examined in the office of an otolaryngologist, since this specialist deals with ear pathologies.
Ear examination
Diseases of the hearing organ that are accompanied by bleeding are usually treated with medication. With this diagnosis the following are prescribed:
- Antimycotic drugs;
- Antiseptics;
- Systemic antibiotics;
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
If the symptom is a consequence of the development of a benign or malignant neoplasm, then the patient will have to agree to surgery to remove the tumor body. For this purpose, doctors refer patients to the following procedures:
- Radio wave therapy;
- Laser therapy;
- Electrocoagulation;
- Cryodestruction.
If the problem is caused by injury to the hearing organ, then periodic treatment with an antiseptic is sufficient. Such injuries usually do not require special treatment, as they heal on their own.
Preventing ear bleeding
The following measures can be taken for prevention:
- When traveling, exercise maximum caution, especially when traveling by air;
- try to avoid skull injuries, blows to the head, and strong shaking;
- strengthen your immune system;
- do not abuse alcoholic beverages.
If the therapy was prescribed correctly, then recovery occurs in a short time - but it is best to warn yourself and try to maintain your health.
