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Warning-sign checks

Aural polyps: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency care is appropriate for confusion, fainting, new weakness, or other serious neurological symptoms.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician sooner if discharge, bleeding, pain, or hearing loss worsens or returns.

    Seek urgent assessment for sudden hearing loss, new facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear, severe headache, fever with worsening ear symptoms, or rapidly increasing pain.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is important even if drainage or pain improves.

    The clinician needs to confirm that the polyp has shrunk or resolved and that the eardrum and deeper ear can be examined.

    A polyp that remains after appropriate treatment may need imaging, biopsy, or surgical assessment.

    Routine follow-up may include repeat ear examinations, professional cleaning, and hearing tests.

    People treated for cholesteatoma may need long-term ENT monitoring because disease can remain or return after surgery.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Aural polyps. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.