Tympanitis is the scientific word for an inflamed eardrum. It can happen for a number of reasons.
This article looks into the main causes and symptoms of an inflamed eardrum. Additionally, there is an overview of possible treatments.
How Can You Develop an Inflamed Eardrum?
Here are two major causes that lead to this illness:
- Middle Ear Trauma
The eardrum is extremely sensitive. It can easily get scratched, which leads to inflammation. A blow to the head can also cause this kind of injury.
Middle ear trauma can also come with painful eardrum ruptures.
- Infections
Bacteria and fungi can cause middle ear infections. This frequently leads to tympanitis. The bacteria can affect your ear canal or attack your eardrum directly.
Young children are especially sensitive to middle ear infections.
Symptoms of an Inflamed Eardrum
How do you recognize that you’re suffering from tympanitis? Here are the main symptoms of an inflamed eardrum:
- Pain and a feeling of fullness in your ears
- Temporary hearing loss
- Bloody discharge
If you have some of these symptoms, seek out medical help as soon as possible. In young children, you will also notice irritability.
Treatments for an Inflamed Eardrum
What kind of treatment do you need? That depends on the cause of your inflammation.
Experts say that middle ear trauma can heal on its own. Your doctor will probably prescribe some painkillers to ease your recovery.
However, infections need more serious treatment.
Young children usually don’t need antibiotics. After all, childhood infections usually heal within three days without any treatment. But more serious diseases might mean using antibiotic drops.
Some infections come from fungi. Hence, antifungal treatment can be a good solution too.
