The term infectious myringitis describes an inflammation of the tympanic membrane due to an infection with distinct types of pathogens.
Presentation
Patients suffering from IM usually seek medical attention after the subacute onset of the following symptoms:
- Ear congestion and mild hearing loss
- Sensation of fullness or increased pressure in the ear
- Otalgia
- Otorrhea
- Pruritus
Of note, infants may not be able to describe these symptoms and merely manifest their discomfort in form of sleep disturbances, feeding difficulties and constant crying.
The nature and severity of clinical symptoms may hint at a particular causative agent [3]. In this context, Streptococcus pneumoniae has been shown to cause more severe disease than other pathogens commonly associated with IM and AOM. Moraxella catarrhalis is of rather low virulence and rarely results in complications. Infections with haemophilus influenzae frequently comprise both ears and eyes, and these patients may be diagnosed with conjunctivitis-otitis syndrome [6] [7].
Entire Body System
- Inflammation
The term infectious myringitis describes an inflammation of the tympanic membrane due to an infection with distinct types of pathogens. [symptoma.com]
'Otitis' refers to an inflammation of the ear, where '-oto' means 'ear' and '-itis' means 'inflammation,' just like in mastoiditis. [study.com]
[…] tympanic membra, Myringitis, Tympanitis, Myringitis (disorder), tympanitis, Myringitis, NOS, inflammation of the tympanic membrane Czech Myringitida, Myringitida NOS Hungarian myringitis, Myringitis k.m.n. [fpnotebook.com]
What is Infectious Myringitis Inflammation of TM --> looks like otitis media Causes of Infectious Myringitis Viral, Mycoplasma, Strep Pneumo Tx for Infectious Myringitis Same as OM, Pain Meds, Can do Myringotomy to releive pain Bony spicules around foot [quizlet.com]
Acute otitis media Acute otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by a viral or bacterial infection. [ikonet.com]
- Swelling
Earaches occur when there is an infection or swelling of different parts of the ear. There are different medical terms for different types of earaches. For example, the swelling of the eardrum or tympanic membrane is referred to as Myringitis. [home-remedies-for-you.com]
When those structures swell and become inflamed, pain results because any type of inflammation causes redness, swelling and pain. In children the eustachian tube is very small and in some cases, not fully developed. [memd.me]
Due to bacterial or viral infection, there would be swelling and itching sensation on the ear. It also triggers formation of pus filled blisters on the membrane causing sharp pain in the ear. [diseasespictures.com]
Swelling, tenderness, pinna displaced, earache, fever, otorrhea clinically, CT- to determine bone erosion. 2nd Line Abx Drugs at least 2 weeks. (Augmentin, 3rd Gen Cephalosporins. [quizlet.com]
This function may make them particularly vulnerable to infection, inflammation and swelling. [mayoclinic.org]
- Crying
[…] hearing loss Sensation of fullness or increased pressure in the ear Otalgia Otorrhea Pruritus Of note, infants may not be able to describe these symptoms and merely manifest their discomfort in form of sleep disturbances, feeding difficulties and constant crying [symptoma.com]
[…] pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal A feeling of fullness in the ear Nausea Muffled hearing Ear drainage In children, the symptoms are: Tugging at the ear Poor sleep Fever Irritability, restlessness Ear drainage Diminished appetite Crying [webmd.com]
If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for Tugging at ears Crying more than usual Fluid draining from the ear Trouble sleeping Balance difficulties Hearing problems Your health care provider will diagnose an [icdlist.com]
If your child remains fussy and irritable after 24 hours, develops a stiff neck, is very tired and does not stop crying, get him to an emergency room at the earliest. [home-remedies-for-you.com]
Symptoms that are present more often in patients with BM than AOM include severe earache and fever, but also ear rubbing, poor sleep, more crying and decreased appetite. [pediatriceducation.org]
- Malaise
[…] susceptible college students ; No clear seasonal incidence Predominant age: High school and college predominate SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS In most cases the clinical triad of sore throat (the most frequent complaint), fever, and lymphadenopathy are present Malaise [enotes.tripod.com]
Earache associated with hearing loss, unexplained fever, and general malaise or feeling poorly should be clues that care may be needed. [emedicinehealth.com]
- Falling
While some of the aforementioned bacteria may fall into this category, viruses are better known to cause such complications, particularly: Respiratory syncytial virus Influenza A and B viruses Adenoviruses Of note, fungi may cause IM, but this condition [symptoma.com]
Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter when colds and flu are prevalent. People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections during seasonal high pollen counts. Poor air quality. [mayoclinic.org]
Respiratoric
- Pneumonia
Sample type is crucial to the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia by PCR. J Med Microbiol 2005 ; 54 : 287– 291 [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 9. Roberts DB. [jmmcr.microbiologyresearch.org]
In this context, Streptococcus pneumoniae has been shown to cause more severe disease than other pathogens commonly associated with IM and AOM. Moraxella catarrhalis is of rather low virulence and rarely results in complications. [symptoma.com]
Note: Because M. pneumoniae is a fastidious organism, a standard bacterial culture is not expected to grow M. pneumoniae, even if the organism is present, and typical bacterial pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, etc.) would not [hqmeded.com]
There are two main culprits: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major causes of pneumonia. It usually attacks the respiratory system but can take residence up in the ear. [doctorshealthpress.com]
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Chest 1989; 95:639. 14. Baum SG. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and atypical pneumonia. [qq8oji.tokyo-med.ac.jp]
- Common Cold
It is often found along with the common cold or other similar infections. The condition is most common in children but may be seen in adults. Symptoms The main symptom is pain that lasts for 24 – 48 hours. [coordinatedhealth.com]
The most common of these is mycoplasma. It is often found along with the common cold or other similar infections. The condition is most often seen in children, but it may also occur in adults. The main symptom is pain that lasts for 24 to 48 hours. [medlineplus.gov]
The most common of these is mycoplasma. It is often found along with the common cold or other similar infections. The condition is most often seen in children, but it may also occur in adults. [centurahealthlibrary.org]
Children cared for in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home because they're exposed to more infections, such as the common cold. Infant feeding. [mayoclinic.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Vomiting
Acute otitis media appears as ear pain, fever, decrease in hearing, and increased irritability, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Acute otitis media often leads to inflammation of the eardrum, called myringitis. [ikonet.com]
People with earache accompanied by headache, vomiting, fever, lethargy, stiffness in the neck or other encephalitis or meningitis symptoms should seek medical care promptly. [memd.me]
The main symptom is sudden and dramatic vertigo, which may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The eyes may also involuntarily flutter towards the affected side of the head. [betterhealth.vic.gov.au]
Loss of hearing Buzzing sound in the ear Ringing sound in the ear Blocked ear Fluid discharge from the ear Fever Children and infants with Otitis Media may suffer from fussiness and irritability, loss of appetite and sleep, increased crying, and even vomiting [home-remedies-for-you.com]
Include: Irritability, whining, fussing or crying in infants and children Partial or complete loss of hearing Feeling of blocked or plugged ear Buzzing or ringing sound in the ear Fever or pain Discharge that appears when the eardrum ruptures Diarrhea or vomiting [naturalremedies.org]
Skin
- Blister
[…] myringitis, infection, a virus, bacteria, main symptom is pain that lasts, 24, 48 hours, infectious myringitis, antibiotics, pain is severe, blisters lanced and pain-killing drugs, prescribed. [t.findinghealthonline.com]
Infectious myringitis Alternative names 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 ). [medical-dictionary-search-engines.com]
Definition Infectious myringitis is an infection that causes painful blisters on the eardrum (tympanum). [coordinatedhealth.com]
Diagnoses : Your doctor will look for the signs of ear pain and blisters inside the eardrum. He may test the pus like fluid oozing out from the blister for detecting any bacteria. [diseasespictures.com]
Infectious myringitis is an infection that causes painful blisters on the eardrum (tympanum). Infectious myringitis is caused by the same viruses or bacteria that cause middle ear infections. The most common of these is mycoplasma. [medlineplus.gov]
- Erythema
Common signs of inflammation may be observed, with erythema being most characteristic but not pathognomonic of IM. In severe cases, a perforation of the eardrum may be noted. [symptoma.com]
Keyword(s): erythema multiforme, myringitis, extrapulmonary manifestations, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, ITP © 2017 The Authors | Published by the Microbiology Society 1. Bennett J, Dolin R, Blaser M, Mandell G, Douglas R et al. [jmmcr.microbiologyresearch.org]
[…] myelitis ;o Guillain-Barré syndrome ;o Psychosis ;o Pericarditis ;o Myocarditis ;o ECG changes ;o Airway obstruction ;o Pneumonitis ;o Pleural effusion ;o Pulmonary hemorrhage ;o Hepatitis/liver necrosis ;o Malabsorption ;o Dermatitis ;o Urticaria ;o Erythema [enotes.tripod.com]
On physical examination, she has postauricular tenderness, swelling, and erythema. You note purulent otorrhea through a perforated tympanic membrane. [polldaddy poll=8096505] Answers: 1. [foamcast.org]
Also, the diagnosis may be made in children who have mild bulging of the ear drum and recent onset of ear pain (less than 48 hours) or intense erythema (redness) of the ear drum. [en.wikipedia.org]
- Pruritus
Patients suffering from IM usually seek medical attention after the subacute onset of the following symptoms: Ear congestion and mild hearing loss Sensation of fullness or increased pressure in the ear Otalgia Otorrhea Pruritus Of note, infants may not [symptoma.com]
In chronic granular myringitis, the patient's history may reveal pruritus, purulent discharge, and gradual hearing loss. [medical-clinic.org]
- Skin Rash
For every 14 children treated with antibiotics, one child has an episode of either vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. [11] If pain is present, pain medications may be used. [en.wikipedia.org]
Ears
- Hearing Impairment
The symptoms and signs include: Drainage from the ear Hearing impairment Sudden onset of ear pain that lasts 1 to 2 days Fever The symptoms of acute infectious myringitis may be: Complaint of severe pain in the ear Tenderness over mastoid process Otoscopic [byebyedoctor.com]
Myringitis, or inflammation of the TM, may be accompanied by hearing impairment and a sensation of congestion and earache. After 3 weeks, acute myringitis becomes subacute and, within 3 months, chronic. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Otalgia
Patients suffering from IM usually seek medical attention after the subacute onset of the following symptoms: Ear congestion and mild hearing loss Sensation of fullness or increased pressure in the ear Otalgia Otorrhea Pruritus Of note, infants may not [symptoma.com]
Bullous Myringitis This is a painful infection characterized by bullae on the tympanic membrane (TM), which has a richly innervated outer epithelium (hence the severe otalgia). [foamcast.org]
The tympanic membrane becomes very thickened and bulging, resulting in a conductive hearing loss, pain, and otalgia. A fever occurs. Landmarks are difficult to view. In children, the mastoid area may be tender and swollen. [app1.unmc.edu]
Other complaints include otalgia, itching, aural fullness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 Some authors define myringitis as having an intact tympanic membrane with no hearing deficit 1, 9 whereas others say that perforations are part of [entokey.com]
[…] syndrom) Q90.9 Down's syndrom uden specifikation Q96.9 Turner's syndrom uden specifikation Q98.4 Klinefelter's syndrom uden specifikation E76.0 Hurler-Scheie's syndrom E76.1 Hunter's syndrom P35.0 Kongenit rubella syndrom Top Variae H93.1 Tinnitus H92.0 Otalgia [audioweb.dk]
- Hearing Problem
[…] loss or more serious infections You or your child has hearing problems; the infection may be the cause You suspect that your young child has an ear infection Contact your doctor immediately if: Your child develops a stiff neck Your child is very lethargic [webmd.com]
If your child isn't old enough to say "My ear hurts," here are a few things to look for Tugging at ears Crying more than usual Fluid draining from the ear Trouble sleeping Balance difficulties Hearing problems Your health care provider will diagnose an [icdlist.com]
Hearing Loss Genetic Hearing Loss Noise Induced Hearing Loss Bilateral Hearing Loss Unilateral Hearing Loss Conductive Hearing Loss High Frequency Hearing Loss Low Frequency Hearing Loss Sensorineural Hearing Loss Hearing Problems Fungal Ear Infections [hiddenhearing.co.uk]
Long-term problems related to ear infections — persistent fluids in the middle ear, persistent infections or frequent infections — can cause hearing problems and other serious complications. [mayoclinic.org]
- Ear Discharge
NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Cholesteatoma Ear discharge Ear examination Ear infection - acute Ear infection - chronic Ear tube insertion Earache Eardrum repair Infectious myringitis Labyrinthitis Labyrinthitis [icdlist.com]
On the isolation of influenza virus from mid-ear discharge of influenza otitis media. Jpn J Med Sci Biol [Internet]. 1955 Oct [cited 2014 Dec 27];8(4-5):373–7. 2. Milligan W. Hæmorrhagic Types of Ear Disease occurring during Epidemics of Influenza. [hqmeded.com]
Types of ear infections Ear infections are diagnosed by physical examination and laboratory analysis of pus or discharge. In some cases, CT scans may also be taken. [betterhealth.vic.gov.au]
Neurologic
- Irritability
The infection, caused by a microscopic fungus or a bacterium, is favored by moisture (swimming) and by irritants. Otitis externa appears as intense, shooting pains, itching, and discharge (otorrhea). [ikonet.com]
[…] sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain) A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal A feeling of fullness in the ear Nausea Muffled hearing Ear drainage In children, the symptoms are: Tugging at the ear Poor sleep Fever Irritability [webmd.com]
If your child remains fussy and irritable after 24 hours, develops a stiff neck, is very tired and does not stop crying, get him to an emergency room at the earliest. [home-remedies-for-you.com]
Fecal transplant is used to treat gut infections and is now being studied as a treatment for obesity, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel syndrome and more. [nytimes.com]
Definition Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. [mclaren.org]
Workup
Myringitis is diagnosed clinically and in order to do so, the eardrum should be carefully inspected using an otoscope. It is often necessary to clear the external auditory canal from inflammatory secretions and debris to visualize the eardrum. In general, an inflamed tympanic membrane is less translucent than a healthy eardrum. Common signs of inflammation may be observed, with erythema being most characteristic but not pathognomonic of IM. In severe cases, a perforation of the eardrum may be noted.
The aspect of the tympanic membrane may allow for more descriptive diagnoses like bullous myringitis (fluid-filled blisters surrounded by erythematous, opaque tissue), hemorrhagic myringitis (intense redness and possibly blood clots), granular myringitis (presence of granulation tissue) [8], or combinations thereof [9]. However, neither of those diagnoses provides an explanation as to the pathogenesis of the disease. The association of a determined infectious agent with an inflammation of the tympanic membrane requires its isolation or detection by means of other methods, e.g., culture, molecular biological assays. In practice, this is rarely done. Patients are generally treated with analgesics and antibiotics, and further diagnostic measures are reserved for non-responders and those presenting with complicated disease.
Because IM is commonly associated with AOM, pneumatic otoscopy, tympanometry, and acoustic reflectometry may be indicated [10]. In this context, bulging of the tympanic membrane is a strong indicator of middle ear effusion due to AOM.
Microbiology
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae
In this context, Streptococcus pneumoniae has been shown to cause more severe disease than other pathogens commonly associated with IM and AOM. Moraxella catarrhalis is of rather low virulence and rarely results in complications. [symptoma.com]
There are two main culprits: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major causes of pneumonia. It usually attacks the respiratory system but can take residence up in the ear. [doctorshealthpress.com]
Myringitis can develop with viral, bacterial (particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae ), or mycoplasmal otitis media. Pain occurs suddenly and persists for 24 to 48 h. Hearing loss and fever suggest a bacterial origin. [msdmanuals.com]
The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma are common causes. The eardrum becomes inflamed, and small, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) form on its surface. [merckmanuals.com]
Bacterial pathogen distribution was similar to that of acute otitis media, although a higher proportion of Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in both bullous and hemorrhagic acute myringitis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment
Rhinosinusitis in Children 307 Morphogenesis Epidemiology and Pathophysiology 308 Classification and Definitions 310 Chronic Rhinosinusitis 311 Diagnosis 312 Respiratory Allergy 313 Therapeutic Management 314 Additional Medical Therapy 316 Surgical Treatment [books.google.com]
The information herein should not be during any medical or for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition. A licensed professional should be for diagnosis and treatment of any and all conditions. [pillsbase.com]
Prognosis
Outlook (Prognosis) Most neuralgias are not life threatening and are not signs of other life-threatening disorders. For severe pain that does not improve, see a pain specialist so that you can explore all treatment options. [mclaren.org]
[…] proteinuria ;o Conjunctivitis ;o Episcleritis ;o Uveitis ;o ß-hemolytic streptococcal infections ;o Staphylococcal infection ;o Mycoplasma infection ;o Bullous myringitis ;o Orchitis ;o Parotitis ;o Monoarticular arthritis ;o Jaundice EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS [enotes.tripod.com]
Etiology
The following bacteria are most commonly isolated from patients suffering from IM and other forms of AOM [2] [3]:
As has been implied above, pathogens accounting for upper respiratory infection may spread to the ears and compromise the tympanic membranes. While some of the aforementioned bacteria may fall into this category, viruses are better known to cause such complications, particularly [4]:
Of note, fungi may cause IM, but this condition is rare. It mostly affects immunocompromised patients [5].
Epidemiology
Decannulation 252 Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis 255 Historical Perspective 256 Epidemiology 258 Disease Progression and Complications 259 Managing RRP in Children 260 AnesthesiaAirway Management Techniques 261 Adjuvant Medical Therapy 262 Photodynamic [books.google.com]
Epidemiology: Diabetics, immunocompromised Etiology: Pseudomonas (90%) Treatment: Pediatrics- imipenem or an aminoglycoside and an antispeudomonal penicillin. [foamcast.org]
"Diagnosis, microbial epidemiology, and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children: a systematic review". JAMA. 304 (19): 2161–9. doi : 10.1001/jama.2010.1651. [en.wikipedia.org]
Long-term epidemiology of infections with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. J Infect Dis 1979; 139:681. 8. Kim EK, Youn YS, Rhim JW, et al. Epidemiological comparison of three Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia epidemics in a single hospital over 10 years. [qq8oji.tokyo-med.ac.jp]
Pathophysiology
RRP in Children 260 AnesthesiaAirway Management Techniques 261 Adjuvant Medical Therapy 262 Photodynamic Therapy 263 Pharynx and Oesophagus 266 Ontogeny of Oesophageal Motor Function 269 The Oesophageal Phase 270 Oesophageal Sphincter Physiology 271 Pathophysiology [books.google.com]
Interestingly, this patient had a history of a mastoidectomy on the right side for treatment of presumed cholesteatoma. 13.3 Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of myringitis is not completely understood. [entokey.com]
Prevention
Rapidly find the answers you need with separate sections on diseases and disorders, differential diagnosis, clinical algorithms, laboratory results, and clinical preventive services, plus an at-a-glance format that uses cross-references, outlines, bullets [books.google.com]
Treatment consists of: analgesics, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, to relieve pain application of heat to the external ear codeine for severe pain systemic or topical antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary infection incision of blebs and evacuation [medical-clinic.org]
Summary
Infectious myringitis (IM) is an inflammation of the tympanic membrane due to an infection with distinct types of pathogens. IM is often considered a form of acute otitis media (AOM) and accordingly, the broad spectrum of agents that may cause AOM may also be involved in eardrum infections. However, IM may not only be associated with a more extensive inflammation of auricular tissues but commonly occurs in the temporal context of upper respiratory infection. Most IM patients are children [1].
References
- Bhutta MF. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of otitis media: construction of a phenotype landscape. Audiol Neurootol. 2014; 19(3):210-223.
- Block SL. Causative pathogens, antibiotic resistance and therapeutic considerations in acute otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1997; 16(4):449-456.
- Palmu AA, Herva E, Savolainen H, Karma P, Makela PH, Kilpi TM. Association of clinical signs and symptoms with bacterial findings in acute otitis media. Clin Infect Dis. 2004; 38(2):234-242.
- Heikkinen T. Role of viruses in the pathogenesis of acute otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2000; 19(5 Suppl):S17-22; discussion S22-13.
- Ramsey AM. Diagnosis and treatment of the child with a draining ear. J Pediatr Health Care. 2002; 16(4):161-169.
- Bingen E, Cohen R, Jourenkova N, Gehanno P. Epidemiologic study of conjunctivitis-otitis syndrome. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005; 24(8):731-732.
- Sugita G, Hotomi M, Sugita R, et al. Genetic characteristics of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children with conjunctivitis-otitis media syndrome. J Infect Chemother. 2014; 20(8):493-497.
- Levi JR, Ames JA, Gitman L, Morlet T, O'Reilly RC. Clinical characteristics of pediatric granular myringitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013; 148(2):291-296.
- Elzir L, Saliba I. Bullous hemorrhagic myringitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013; 148(2):347-348.
- Shand KD, Campe K. Innovative technologies in diagnosing acute otitis media. Jaapa. 2016; 29(1):37-41.