Bleeding from the Ear: What Parents Need to Know About Ear Issues in Infants

Q: Bleeding from the Ear: What Parents Need to Know About Ear Issues in Infants

Hello： In response to your question, I recommend that you refrain from further digging, as it may have initially been just inflammation, but digging could lead to injury, which would be worse. <br>Please have an examination by an otolaryngologist.

Bleeding from the ear!!

At the beginning of September, my little sister suddenly had a foul smell coming from her left ear.
We took her to see a pediatrician, who said it might be due to water trapped in her ear, and that the smell would go away once the water dried.
However, about a week later, when I used a cotton swab to help her clean out the water, I noticed that something seemed to be stuck at the entrance of her ear.
A week after that, I found that earwax had pushed out to the outer ear, and the cotton swab couldn't even go in.
When I used an ear pick to gently scrape, I extracted a piece of earwax that had blood in it.
After scraping a second time, I found a dried blood clot.
After that, blood continued to flow from her ear.
What could be happening? I'm very worried that she might have injured her eardrum and whether her hearing could be affected.
P.S.: My sister is a baby under three months old!

meimei, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/25

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology

Hello: In response to your question, I recommend that you refrain from further digging, as it may have initially been just inflammation, but digging could lead to injury, which would be worse.
Please have an examination by an otolaryngologist.

Reply Date: 2006/09/25

More Info

When it comes to ear health in infants, especially regarding bleeding from the ear, it is crucial for parents to understand the potential causes and necessary actions to take. In your case, the situation you described raises several concerns that warrant immediate attention.

Firstly, the presence of a foul odor from the ear can indicate an infection or fluid accumulation, which may lead to complications if not addressed. If your pediatrician suggested that the odor was due to water trapped in the ear, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. However, the subsequent discovery of blood in the earwax and persistent bleeding is concerning and should not be taken lightly.

Bleeding from the ear can occur for several reasons, including:
1. Earwax Impaction: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal, leading to discomfort and potential injury when attempting to remove it with cotton swabs or other objects. If you noticed blood when trying to clean the ear, it is possible that you inadvertently caused a small injury to the ear canal or even the eardrum.

2. Infection: An ear infection (otitis media) can cause inflammation and bleeding. If there is an infection, it may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, irritability, or changes in feeding habits.

3. Eardrum Injury: If the bleeding is coming from the ear canal, it could indicate a perforation (tear) in the eardrum, which can occur due to trauma or pressure changes. This can lead to hearing loss and requires medical evaluation.

Given that your sister is under three months old, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. Infants are particularly vulnerable to ear infections and other complications, and timely intervention is essential to prevent long-term damage to hearing or other health issues.

What to Do Next:
1. Avoid Further Cleaning: Do not attempt to clean the ear further, as this may exacerbate any injury or push wax deeper into the ear canal.

2. Seek Medical Evaluation: Take your sister to a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination of the ear, possibly using an otoscope to visualize the ear canal and eardrum.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms such as fever, irritability, changes in feeding, or unusual behavior. These can provide important clues to the healthcare provider.

4. Follow Medical Advice: If the doctor prescribes treatment, such as antibiotics for an infection or specific care instructions, be sure to follow them closely.

Additional Considerations:
- Hearing Assessment: If there is concern about potential hearing loss due to the bleeding or any underlying condition, the doctor may recommend a hearing assessment to evaluate your sister's auditory function.

- Preventive Measures: To prevent future issues, avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs. Instead, clean the outer ear gently with a damp cloth.

In summary, bleeding from the ear in an infant is a serious concern that requires prompt medical evaluation. The potential for ear infections, eardrum injury, or other complications necessitates immediate attention to ensure your sister's ear health and overall well-being.

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