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Infectious MyringitisAcute infectious myringitis is characterized by inflammation, hemorrhage, and effusion of fluid into the tissue at the end of the external ear canal and the tympanic membrane. This is a self-limiting disorder that resolves spontaneously within 3 days to 2 weeks. Acute infectious myringitis commonly follows acute otitis media or upper respiratory tract infection and frequently occurs epidemically in children. Chronic granular myringitis is a rare inflammation of the squamous layer of the tympanic membrane. Bullous myringitis causes retraction of the tympanic membrane due to negative pressure in the ear. CausesMyringitis is generally caused by an infection with a bacteria or virus. Sometimes, the infection starts in the eardrum. Most of the time, however, myringitis follows an infection in another part of the ear. Acute otitis media and swimmer''s ear can both lead to secondary myringitis. Upper respiratory infections, such as the flu or pneumonia , can predispose someone to ear infections. Signs and SymptomsThe patient with acute infectious myringitis may complain of severe ear pain, commonly accompanied by tenderness over the mastoid process. In chronic granular myringitis, the patient's history may reveal pruritus, purulent discharge, and gradual hearing loss. Otoscopic examination reveals small, reddened, inflamed blebs in the ear canal, on the tympanic membrane and, with bacterial invasion, in the middle ear Spontaneous rupture of these blebs may cause a blood, discharge. In chronic granular myringitis, examination may reveal granulation extending from the tympanic membrane to the external ear. Fever and hearing loss are rare unless fluid accumulates in the middle ear or a large bleb completely obstructs the external auditory meatus. Diagnostic testsCulture and sensitivity testing of exudate identifies secondary infection. TreatmentHospitalization usually isn't required for patients with acute infectious myringitis. Treatment consists of:
Treatment of chronic granular myringitis consists of systemic antibiotics or local anti-inflammatory antibiotic combination eardrops and surgical excision and cautery. If stenosis is present, surgical reconstruction is necessary. PreventionSome helpful measures to reduce the risk of myringitis include:
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