Differential Diagnosis for Blood and Purulent Drainage from Ear with Ear Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear): This condition is characterized by inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The presence of blood and purulent drainage, along with ear pain, is consistent with a severe case of otitis externa.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Otitis Media with Perforation: This condition occurs when a middle ear infection (otitis media) causes the eardrum to rupture, leading to the discharge of blood and pus. The ear pain and drainage are consistent with this diagnosis.
- Mastoiditis: This is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It can cause ear pain, fever, and discharge, including blood and pus.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition can lead to middle ear problems, including infections and discharge. However, it is less likely to cause blood and purulent drainage.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Otitis Externa: This is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the outer ear canal, often affecting immunocompromised individuals. It requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Petrous Apicitis: This is a rare but serious infection of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, which can cause severe ear pain, discharge, and other symptoms. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- Skull Base Osteomyelitis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection of the bones at the base of the skull, which can cause ear pain, discharge, and other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilage, including the cartilage in the ear. It can lead to ear pain, discharge, and other symptoms.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to various tissues, including the ears. It can lead to ear pain, discharge, and other symptoms.
- Otogenic Brain Abscess: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of an ear infection, where the infection spreads to the brain and forms an abscess. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.