Blood From Left Ear, Lightheadedness And Sore Throat. What Could Be The Cause?

Posted on Mon, 18 Nov 2013

Question: Hi. I was just browsing to look for some answers but recently within last couple three weeks,I had woken up to find some slight blood or pus looking blood that was not dark but very visible on my pillow from my left ear. Didn't think too much of it but little concerning. Anyways just watched and haven't had it but that once. Within last 24 hrs have had a lot of pain on left side of neck/ face. Main pain at worst is back base lower ear of neck. Sorta tender compared to right side to touch or press. Low grade fever earlier for me. 96.5 I think or 7. I have lightheadedness. Most so when I cough,bend forward or neck back. No stiff neck. Nothing like that. Sore throat but only when coughing. Not when swallowing . It either is radiating from left side base of neck upward to above eye and head and gives me headache and pain or vise versa the other way and going downward? Most of pain like I said back left side more to base of neck or below left ear behind . But Gain more at base. No ear pain inside or out other than pain on that entire side with headaches. Eyes etc. Thank you for any help.

Answered by Dr. Rogers Nditanchou (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need an ENT specialist's opinion

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for query,

I think it is important to get a complete clinical review with an ENT specialist. The symptoms you are experiencing turn mostly around the ear , nose and throat regions.

Discharge of blood or pus from the ear is important to get evaluated and treated. Chronic otitis left untreated could have serious complications. The infection can easily spread to the brain, nearby bones especially the mastoid bone (bone behind the ear) and cause severe pain and infection. It is important to get examined for an infection of the mastoid bone. The pain you experience around the head region is seen in mastoiditis.

It is important to get an appropriate throat examination. Sore throat only on coughing could either be associated with an growth, and enlarged or an inflamed tonsil.

Your doctor might take sample from the ear discharging, if its still does, for laboratory analysis. A chest X XXXXXXX and CT scan of the head could be necessary, especially if neighboring bone infections of mastoiditis is suspected. Getting an appropriate evaluation and treatment is important to avoid any complications.

My suggestion is that you book an appointment with an ENT specialist. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please do not hesitate asking further follow up questions in case you have specific concerns. I would be glad to contribute to your well being.

Kind regards,

Dr Rogers

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E