Differential Diagnosis for Left Ear Pain with Blood
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Otitis externa (swimmer's ear) with trauma or infection: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the outer ear canal, which can cause pain and, if severe, lead to bleeding. The presence of blood suggests a possible rupture of the tympanic membrane or significant trauma to the ear canal.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Middle ear infection (otitis media) with perforation: A bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear can lead to the accumulation of fluid and increased pressure, potentially causing the eardrum to rupture, resulting in pain and bleeding.
- Earwax impaction with bleeding: Sometimes, the attempt to remove earwax can lead to trauma of the ear canal, causing pain and bleeding.
- Trauma to the ear: Direct injury to the ear can cause pain and bleeding, depending on the severity of the trauma.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Temporal bone fracture: Although less common, a fracture of the temporal bone can cause bleeding from the ear and is a medical emergency due to potential complications involving the brain and cranial nerves.
- Malignancy (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma of the ear canal): Though rare, cancers of the ear canal can present with pain and bleeding, making early diagnosis critical for treatment and prognosis.
- Rare diagnoses
- Relapsing polychondritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and destruction of cartilaginous structures, including those in the ear, potentially leading to pain and bleeding.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the ears, and cause a range of symptoms including pain and bleeding.
- Otosclerosis: A condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which can cause hearing loss and, in rare cases, might lead to complications resulting in ear pain and bleeding, although this is less common.