Condition
Infectious myringitis
David Cohen, M.D.Published 16 January 20051 min read
Key points
- Infectious myringitis is a contagious disease that causes painful blisters on the eardrum (tympanum).
- Infectious myringitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- If the pain is severe, the blisters may be lanced and narcotics may be prescribed.
- It is always associated with a middle-ear infection (otitis media).
Alternative names
Bullous myringitis
Definition
Infectious myringitis is a contagious disease that causes painful blisters on the eardrum (tympanum). It is always associated with a middle-ear infection (otitis media).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Infectious myringitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain that persists for 24-48 hours.
Treatment
The general treatment is with antibiotic therapy. If the pain is severe, the blisters may be lanced and narcotics may be prescribed.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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