Fact Checked
Ear bleeding is called otorrhea is a fluid discharge from the ears that includes blood. Oftentimes, the blood also includes pus and wax. Furthermore, bleeding in the ear can originate from other parts of the body.
Causes of ear bleeding
- Ruptured eardrum due to foreign objects, infections, loud sounds or sudden changes in the pressure of air. Changes in air pressure can be caused by slapping the ear using the hand.
- Fracture on the skull and bleeding will leak out of the ear or otorrhea and nose or rhinorrhea if blood vessels are ruptured.
- Foreign bodies inside the ear can puncture the ear drum or cut a skin such as cotton swab, matchsticks and writing utensils. In ears of children includes beads, small toys or food.
- Ear bleeding due to hemorrhagic fever which happen during the late stage of the fever. The virus breaks down the blood vessels and result to bleeding from several orifices such as the nostril, anus and the ears.
- Otic polyp which is a benign growth found on the outer area of the ear canal or eardrum. It causes constant irritation that result to chronic infections.
- Malignant otitis media or swimmer’s ear which is the infection of the outer ear. It causes bleeding in ears when the condition reaches the bones of the skull.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC an abnormal clotting of the blood due to inflammation.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Weakness in the face
- Buzzing sound in ears
- Hearing loss
- Ear pain and headache
- Strong odor coming out of the ears
- Disorientation
- Dark circles under the eyes
- lastly, severe symptoms that includes vision problems, dizziness, unusual size of the pupil, vomiting, bleeding nose, severe exhaustion and severe bleeding from the ear.
Treatment
- Take the prescribed antibiotics to lessen the infection and the pain.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medication to lessen the pain and inflammation due to damage, infections and pressure problems.
- Apply warm compress in the form of a clean wash cloth soaked in hot or warm water. Wring out excess water and then place it over the sore ear to lessen the discomfort and the pain.
- Inhale steam to open the Eustachian tube and drain any fluid that causes the blockage. Get inside the bathroom, close all windows and run the shower in hot setting and inhale the steam.
- White vinegar is rich in antibacterial properties and heals infections of the middle ear. Applying rubbing alcohol inside the ear helps dry up build up of fluid inside the ear.
- Protect the ears by using ear covers or plugs to prevent debris and water from entering the ears and cause further irritation and worsen the condition.
Tips
- Avoid picking the ears using objects such as hair clips, matchsticks and cotton swabs.
- Avoid using earphones while the ear is in the healing process.
- Avoid flushing the blood out of the ear using water or oil.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on ear bleeding is for learning purposes only. Learn to properly manage the condition by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-bleeding