What is Infectius myringitis? (infection in the eardrum)

Infectious myringitis is an infection of the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the inner ear.
What is going on in the body?

Infectious myringitis is an infection of the eardrum that usually follows a bacterial or viral ear infection. Vesicles, or small fluid-filled lesions, develop on the eardrum. The infection interferes with the normal function of the eardrum.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Myringitis 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.

What are the treatments for the disease?

Treatment of infectious myringitis may include:

• antibiotics
• antibiotics together with steroid ear drops
• ear drops that provide local anesthesia
• over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine given by mouth
• rupturing the vesicles on the eardrum with a myringotomy knife

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics and other medicines may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or rash.
What happens after treatment for the disease?

In most cases, the eardrum returns to normal after successful treatment.
How is the disease monitored?

If the pain does not resolve over a brief time, medical attention is needed. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

frome :24medica.com