Can a perforated eardrum cause bleeding?

Dec 02, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

A ruptured eardrum typically results in bleeding. For example, cleaning the ear too deeply without proper depth awareness may puncture the eardrum, or a ruptured eardrum may occur due to strong external force, usually causing slight bleeding. Additionally, in cases of otitis media, pus accumulates in the middle ear and increased pressure may cause the eardrum to rupture, leading to bleeding as well. However, since this is often accompanied by a large amount of pus draining into the external auditory canal, the bleeding is generally not obvious.

The eardrum usually bleeds when it ruptures.

A ruptured eardrum is typically caused by external force or inflammation. Regardless of the cause, bleeding commonly occurs. For example, probing the ear too deeply during cleaning may puncture the eardrum, or a strong physical impact may cause the eardrum to tear. This often results in slight bleeding and may be accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing loss, dizziness, or nausea. Additionally, a ruptured eardrum can occur following otitis media (middle ear infection). In such cases, pus accumulates in the middle ear due to the infection, increasing pressure that may eventually rupture the eardrum. Bleeding may also occur, but it is often not obvious because the discharge of large amounts of pus into the external ear canal masks the blood.

After experiencing a ruptured eardrum, patients should receive treatment targeting the underlying cause to prevent more serious complications. If the rupture is due to otitis media, patients should, under medical guidance, clear the pus from the ear canal and take antibiotics as prescribed. Commonly used medications include amoxicillin capsules and cefuroxime axetil tablets.

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Can flying in an airplane cause a ruptured eardrum?

Under normal circumstances, the eardrum may rupture during air travel due to changes in cabin air pressure affecting the eardrum. During takeoff and landing, the air pressure inside the aircraft cabin changes. If the pressure of the air on the outer side of the eardrum is not adjusted promptly, a pressure difference can develop across the eardrum, leading to discomfort such as tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing loss. In severe cases, this pressure imbalance may result in eardrum rupture.

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Does bleeding after cleaning the ears mean the eardrum is ruptured?

The skin of the external auditory canal is relatively thin. Excessive force during ear cleaning or external impact can easily perforate the eardrum, causing bleeding. Because the external auditory canal is deep and narrow, with blood vessels and nerves attached to its walls, improper manipulation during ear cleaning may injure the skin of the canal wall, leading to bleeding as well.

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Can frequent sneezing harm your body?

Frequent sneezing may lead to symptoms such as ruptured eardrums, lumbar muscle strain, lumbar disc herniation, and cerebral hemorrhage; therefore, prompt medical attention is recommended. Sneezing causes a sudden increase in pressure within the middle ear, and repeated sneezing may result in eardrum rupture. Sneezing can also cause a rise in blood pressure, which, in individuals with pre-existing brain or cerebrovascular conditions, may lead to rupture of cerebral blood vessels.

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How long does it usually take for bleeding to stop if the ear wall is ruptured?

Bleeding from a ruptured eardrum typically stops within 1 to 5 days. The exact time for hemostasis may depend on factors such as the location and size of the rupture, as well as the severity of bleeding. Other influencing factors include individual differences, age, treatment measures, and overall health status. If the bleeding does not stop on its own or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, prompt medical attention is recommended to seek professional evaluation and treatment.