Myringitis, when the eardrum becomes infected

Myringitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This condition can cause severe pain in the ear, fever, and hearing loss. For more details, see the following explanation.

What is myringitis?

As already mentioned, myringitis is an ear infection that occurs in the eardrum. This condition can be divided into two, namely chronic and acute.

1. Chronic

Chronic myringitis or often referred to as granular myringitis is a loss of the eardrum epithelium, which is located in the ear canal, for more than one month. This condition is often mistaken for chronic otitis media.

2. Acute

Acute eardrum inflammation is an inflammation of the eardrum that occurs in a relatively short time and the symptoms appear suddenly. Types of acute myringitis include bullous myringitis and fungal myringitis.

In contrast to granular eardrum inflammation, this type of eardrum inflammation is often associated with middle ear disease and malfunctioning of the inner ear.

Bullous myringitis is characterized by bullae or blisters on the eardrum, without affecting the outer or middle ear. If the middle ear is infected, it means that inflammation of the eardrum is accompanied by acute otitis media.

What are the symptoms of myringitis?

The symptoms that result from this condition are often the same, although they are of different types. The following signs and symptoms may appear:

• The ears secrete fluid
• Hearing loss
• Ear pain
• Tinnitus

Quoted from MedlinePlus, in rare cases, hearing loss still occurs even though the inflammation has been resolved.

What causes myringitis?

Inflammation of the eardrum can be caused by a variety of things, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. The following causes inflammation of the eardrum according to its type.

Chronic myringitis

A deep review Journal of Otology mentioned that the exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, trauma to the surface of the eardrum due to repeated ear cleaning and surgery is suspected to be the cause.

Meanwhile, the journal published by Tufts University School of Medicine states that bacteria, viruses, and fungi may be the cause of this condition, but there is no strong evidence yet.

Some of the studies mentioned in the journal suggest that bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , S. epidermidis , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa most commonly found to be a cause of chronic inflammation of the eardrum. Meanwhile, the causes of chronic inflammation due to viruses and fungi are rare.

Acute myringitis

Acute inflammation of the eardrum, such as the bullous type of myringitis is thought to be caused by a virus. However, bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae often found to be the cause of this condition. In addition, other bacteria that have also been found to cause this condition are:

• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Group A Streptococcus
• Staphylococcus aureus

Meanwhile, the viruses that usually cause acute eardrum inflammation are Respiratory syncytial (RSV) or influenza. Not only that, this condition can also occur after chemical irritation of the middle ear space in the tympanic membrane.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

Treatment will be determined by a doctor after diagnosing your condition. The following tests are usually asked by doctors to determine a diagnosis of inflammation of the eardrum:

• Laboratory examination
• Imaging test
• Tympanocentesis

Treatment for inflammation of the eardrum depends on the cause. Antibiotics are usually the solution to this condition. The following treatment options may be recommended by your doctor:

Chronic myringitis

The drugs below are usually used to treat this type of inflammation of the eardrum:

• Antibiotics in the form of ear drops
• Topical agents, such as diluted vinegar solution, liquid hydrogen peroxide, 5-fluorouracil, and castellani solution

In addition to medication, carbon dioxide laser ablation is referred to as an effective eardrum inflammation treatment. Surgery can also be performed for the most difficult cases to cure.

Acute myringitis

Treatment of this condition consists of:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Nasal decongestants
• Combination of antibiotics and topicals with topical steroids

Although some patients receiving steroids experience complete hearing recovery, many experience partial recovery. Surgery can also be performed in severe cases.