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What Causes Pain And Drainage From Ear?
Question: My history includes cholesteatoma removal in my left ear, and now I'm having a lot of pain and drainage in my right ear. Symptoms include popping in my ear and fullness. I can clear the fullness by sniffing, but it is painful. Is it likely just a normal ear infection or could it be more?
Brief Answer:
Get the ear examined.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query,
1. Only a direct ear drum examination can help differentiate a cholesteatoma from an ear infection.
2. If there is ear discharge or congestion, the ear is cleaned under a microscope.
3. If there is still doubt, medication is given till the ear is dry and the inflammation disappears. Then the diagnosis is confirmed. This may take a few days or weeks of regular follow-up.
4. The latest technique in cases of further doubt is a new protocol for scanning which includes an MRI for Cholesteatoma and an HRCT Temporal Bones which can detect even the tiniest cholesteatoma.
5. Thes basis for most cholesteatoma cases is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). ETD is the reason you have fullness in the ear. Since there is pain, get your check-up scheduled early. Pain in the ear can be a sign of infection, inflammation or impending complications of a cholesteatoma and hence should not be ignored.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Get the ear examined.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query,
1. Only a direct ear drum examination can help differentiate a cholesteatoma from an ear infection.
2. If there is ear discharge or congestion, the ear is cleaned under a microscope.
3. If there is still doubt, medication is given till the ear is dry and the inflammation disappears. Then the diagnosis is confirmed. This may take a few days or weeks of regular follow-up.
4. The latest technique in cases of further doubt is a new protocol for scanning which includes an MRI for Cholesteatoma and an HRCT Temporal Bones which can detect even the tiniest cholesteatoma.
5. Thes basis for most cholesteatoma cases is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). ETD is the reason you have fullness in the ear. Since there is pain, get your check-up scheduled early. Pain in the ear can be a sign of infection, inflammation or impending complications of a cholesteatoma and hence should not be ignored.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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