Otorrhagia is a medical term referring to bleeding from the ears. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /oʊtoʊˈreɪdʒə/, where /oʊ/ represents the long "o" sound as in "go", /t/ is pronounced as in "tack", /eɪ/ represents the long "a" sound as in "say", /dʒ/ is pronounced as in "judge", and /ə/ represents the neutral "uh" sound as in "sofa". The word is derived from the Greek words "ot" (ear) and "rrhagia" (bleeding).
Otorrhagia is a medical term referring to the condition of bleeding from the ear. It specifically involves the abnormal and excessive discharge of blood from the ear canal. The term is derived from the Latin words "ot-" meaning ear, and "-rhagia" meaning excessive flow or discharge.
Otorrhagia can be caused by various factors, including traumatic injuries to the ear, such as perforation of the eardrum due to a direct blow or insertion of foreign objects. It may also result from infections within the ear, such as otitis media, where inflammation and infection can damage small blood vessels, leading to bleeding. Other causes include ear tumors, skull fractures, or vascular malformations.
Symptoms of otorrhagia may include visible blood in the ear canal, pain, hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing sensation in the ear (tinnitus). Treatment for otorrhagia depends on the underlying cause. In cases of traumatic injuries, proper cleaning and dressing of the ear can be sufficient for healing. Infections may require antibiotics, ear drops, or surgical drainage, while more severe cases may necessitate surgery to repair damaged blood vessels or remove tumors.
It is important to seek medical attention if one experiences the symptoms of otorrhagia, as it may indicate a serious underlying condition that needs to be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as hearing loss or further infections.
Bleeding from the ear.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word otorrhagia is derived from the Greek roots oto- meaning ear and rhagia meaning bleeding. When combined, the term literally translates to ear bleeding.