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Infectious myringitis
Definition
Infectious myringitis is a contagious disease that causes painful blisters on the eardrum (tympanum). It may occur with a middle ear infection (otitis media).
Alternative Names
Bullous myringitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Infectious myringitis is a viral or bacterial infection. It is usually a complication of a common cold virus. Rarely, it may be caused by an infection with mycoplasma pneumonia.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain that lasts for 24 - 48 hours. Other symptoms include draining from the ear and hearing loss in the painful ear. Rarely, the hearing loss will continue after the infection has cleared.
Treatment
Infectious myringitis is usually treated with antibiotics, either given as drops in the ear or by mouth. If the pain is severe, the blisters may be lanced and pain-killing drugs may be prescribed.
References
Ruckenstein MJ. Infections of the External Ear. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005: chap 132.
O'Handley JG, Tobin E, Tagge B. Otorhinolaryngology. In: Rakel RE. Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 25.
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
