MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Infectious myringitis

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Infectious myringitis

Contents of this page:
Alternative Names Definition Causes	Symptoms Treatment References

Alternative Names

Bullous myringitis

Definition Return to top

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 Return to top

Infectious myringitis is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms Return to top

The main symptom is pain that lasts for 24 - 48 hours.

Treatment Return to top

Infectious myringitis is usually treated with antibiotics. If the pain is severe, the blisters may be lanced and pain-killing drugs may be prescribed.

References Return to top

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.