Bullous myringitis haemorrhagica or bullous myringitis is a painful medical condition characterized by an infection of the eardrum or tympanic membrane.Bullous myringitis is an infection on or around the tympanic membrane that results in fluid-filled blisters that look like bubbles.[1][2][3]
| Bullous myringitis haemorrhagica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Ear pain |
| Causes | Virus |
| Diagnostic method | Otoscope |
| Treatment | High-dose oral antibiotics |
Symptoms and signs
editPatients with Bullous myringitis haemorrhagica commonly experience severe ear pain, which is the most significant and prevalent symptom. Additionally, a slight blood-colored, watery discharge may occur if the bullae rupture, and mild deafness can be observed.[2]
Causes
editBullous myringitis, often caused by viruses and sometimes by bacteria, inflames the eardrum, forming fluid-filled blisters. It can be associated with middle or external ear infections but the main focus on the eardrum and nearby skin.[2][4]
Diagnosis
editDiagnosing bullous myringitis involves using an otoscope to spot distinctive white sack-like structures on the eardrum. Ear pain is the primary complaint. However, differentiating it from acute otitis media can be difficult, leading to early misdiagnosis.The rarity of bullous myringitis, especially compared to acute otitis media, can result in common misdiagnoses. Practitioners often mistake it for the more prevalent condition, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment.[2]
Differential diagnosis
editBullous myringitis, when mistaken for acute otitis media, can lead to complications . Recurring episodes may persist even after completing antibiotics. To avoid misdiagnosis, doctors should keep bullous myringitis in mind during diagnosis for timely treatment.[2]
Treatment
editTreating bullous myringitis involves strong oral antibiotics to fight the infection, which might take some time to fully go away. It's important to get the right dose based on the infection's severity.Pain is managed with oral painkillers, and in severe cases, a first dose of intravenous pain relief may be given before switching to oral medication.[2]
Etymology
editThe condition can be understood via looking at the different words, and hence understanding about the disease. for example, Bullous: The term "bullous" derives from the Latin word "bulla," meaning bubble, indicating the presence of these fluid-filled structures.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Bullous Myringitis". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
- ^ a b c d e f Kasinathan, Sushma; Kondamudi, Noah P. (2023). "Bullous Myringitis". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. PMID 31971705.
- ^ Marais, J.; Dale, B. A. (December 1997). "Bullous myringitis: a review". Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences. 22 (6): 497–499. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2273.1997.00069.x. ISSN 0307-7772. PMID 9466056.
- ^ Roberts, Donald B. (1 April 1980). "The Etiology of Bullous Myringitis and the Role of Mycoplasmas in Ear Disease: A Review". Pediatrics. 65 (4): 761–766. doi:10.1542/peds.65.4.761. S2CID 31536385. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "Bullae: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2023-12-15.