Differential Diagnosis for Right Ear Pain with Drainage
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Otitis externa: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the presence of ear pain and drainage, which are common symptoms of an outer ear infection. Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is often caused by bacterial or fungal infections and can be treated with topical antibiotics or antifungals.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Otitis media with perforation: This condition occurs when a middle ear infection (otitis media) causes the eardrum to rupture, leading to drainage and pain. It is a common complication of untreated or severe otitis media.
- Eczematous external otitis: This is an inflammatory condition of the outer ear that can cause pain, itching, and drainage. It is often associated with eczema or other skin conditions.
- Furuncle or carbuncle of the ear: A furuncle (boil) or carbuncle (cluster of boils) in the ear can cause pain, swelling, and drainage.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Malignant otitis externa: This is a rare but serious complication of otitis externa that can occur in people with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS. It can lead to serious complications, including cranial nerve paralysis and death, if left untreated.
- Necrotizing otitis externa: This is a rare and aggressive form of otitis externa that can cause significant tissue damage and destruction.
- Mastoiditis: This is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It can cause pain, drainage, and other symptoms, and can lead to serious complications, including brain abscess or meningitis, if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Relapsing polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilage in the ear and other parts of the body.
- Wegener's granulomatosis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and other tissues, including the ear.
- Otomycosis: This is a rare fungal infection of the ear that can cause pain, drainage, and other symptoms.