Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Acute Myringitis - Infectious Myringitis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of myringitis may include:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of myringitis begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider will use an otoscope, or lighted instrument, to look at the person's eardrum.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Some helpful measures to reduce the risk of myringitis include:
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Most cases of myringitis go away without any long-term effects. In some cases, though, there may be scarring of the eardrum that can affect hearing. Or the eardrum may rupture.
What are the risks to others?
Some causes of myringitis are contagious and can be passed to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatment of infectious myringitis may include:
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.
Attribution
Author:Mark Loury, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:09/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:09/10/01