Myringitis bullosa (ear infection drum)

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Myringitis bullosa (ear infection drum) (Disease)


Description

Earache is very common medical problem for both children and adults. The pain of earache results from inflammation and swelling of the structures that make up the ear, including the external auditory canal, the tympanic membrane, and the middle ear. Myringitis is an inflammation of the tympanic membrane or ear drum.

Symptoms of ear infection include ear pain, fullness in the ear, hearing loss, ringing, discharge from the ear, nausea, vomiting and vertigo.

Causes and Risk factors

The most common causes of bullous myringitis are the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, though several other bacteria and viruses can potentially cause ear infections.

Bullous myringitis occurs when middle ear inflammation leads to the development of a small pus-filled blister on the tympanic membrane. As a blister grows, an individual is likely to experience constant, sharp pain that disrupts hearing. The sore may ooze yellow or white pus that drains from the ear. Painful sensations and drainage typically persist for the life of a blister, usually one to two days. The infection responsible for bullous myringitis may continue to cause symptoms after the ear pain stops.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A doctor can usually diagnose bullous myringitis by evaluating symptoms and examining the eardrum with a medical instrument called an otoscope.

Treatment for bullous myringitis usually includes a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. A patient may also be prescribed ear drops that help to cleanse the eardrum and soothe painful burning. Surgery is rarely needed to treat an ear infection, but a simple operation may be required if the eardrum tears. ...