What Is Tympanitis?
Tympanitis is a condition in which the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, is inflamed. The inflammation can occur for several reasons, from bacteria to trauma. In addition, inflammation can cause various problems, like hearing loss.
What Is the Function of the Eardrum?
The eardrum is a membrane that separates the external ear canal from the middle ear and plays an important role in hearing. The tympanic membrane is a thin, fragile membrane that stretches across the ear canal as the skin stretches across a drum. The sound waves travel the external ear canal to strike the eardrum to cause vibration in the eardrum, which will, in turn, cause vibration to the tiny bones in the middle ear, transmitting nerve impulses to the inner from there to the brain, which is interpreted by the brain. So when there is inflammation in the eardrum, it cannot vibrate properly, so the sound is not transmitted fully. Also, the swelling will cause pain in the ear, and the hearing is distorted. The eardrum is inflamed because the swelling remains longer; apart from hearing, speech can also be affected, especially in young children who need to hear clearly to mimic speech correctly.
What Are the Causes of Tympanitis?
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Middle Ear Infections- The most common ear infection is the middle ear infection, known as acute otitis media. Even though adults are not affected, acute otitis media is a disorder of children whose eustachian tubes are shorter than the adults. The Eustachian tube will help to drain the fluid from the middle ear. So, when the eustachian tube is blocked from a common cold or allergies, the fluid build will apply pressure, press, and irritate the eardrum. The middle ear, which is moist and dark, will now start to breed bacteria which will cause ear infections.
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Trauma - The eardrum is a very thin and sensitive layer of tissue; it can easily get injured when poked or knocked. When a cotton swab, finger, or any foreign object is introduced too deep into the ear canal, it can easily injure the eardrum resulting in inflammation and pain. If it goes even further, there are chances to burst the eardrum, known as a perforated eardrum. The eardrum can also get injured due to a blow to the head.
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Bullous Myringitis- Bullous myringitis is an eardrum infection caused by the same bacteria that cause middle ear infections. They often occur simultaneously. Fluid-filled blisters on the eardrum are the main characteristic seen in bullous myringitis.
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Swimmer's Ear- The swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is an ear canal infection that can irritate the eardrum, causing tympanitis. The swimmer's ear is caused by bacteria or fungi and is mostly seen in swimmers due to excessive moisture that can break down the skin, allowing germs access.
What Are the Symptoms of Tympanitis?
There can be bulging of the eardrum, which can occur in conjunction with ear disorders or problems. For example, the symptoms of tympanitis include:
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Pain in one or both ears.
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Due to fluid build-up behind the eardrum, the patient can feel fullness in the ear.
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When the eardrum bursts due to excessive pressure build-up, there can be a bloody, watery discharge.
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Temporary hearing loss.
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Fever.
In young children, the symptoms can be :
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Irritability.
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Sleeplessness.
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Ear pulling.
How Is Tympanitis Diagnosed?
The doctors will use the otoscope to see the ear canal and look for signs of inflammation and infection in the eardrum, like bulging, thickened, red tissue, and blisters. An otoscope is an instrument inserted into the ear canal with light and magnifying lenses.
The doctor may use an otoscope with a bulb which will allow them to force air into the ear canal to see how the eardrum moves. When pus and fluid are collected in the middle ear resulting in bulging of the eardrum, they will not move properly.
How Is Tympanitis Treated?
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Middle Ear Infection- The healthcare provider will advise painkillers like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen if the eardrum problem is due to a middle ear infection. There is no need for antibiotics even though many conditions cause the infection. This is because ear infection in children gets resolved independently, with or without treatment, within a few days. In case of frequent infections in children, ear tubes might be inserted, a cylindrically shaped tube is surgically placed through the eardrum, which will allow air into the middle ear.
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Bullous Myringitis- Bullous myringitis is generally treated with antibiotics. The blisters may be lanced to relieve the pain. Other than that, oral pain relievers are prescribed.
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Swimmer’s Ear- To reduce inflammation, antibiotics with steroid ear drops are the standard course of treatment.
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Trauma- In most cases, the trauma to the ear heals on its own. Even most perforated eardrums will heal without intervention. Meantime, painkillers can be used to relieve the symptoms.
- Home Remedies:
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Garlic extract can be used to reduce the inflammation in the ear and to cure and fight infection. Garlic extract is very useful in treating the symptoms of tympanitis.
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Eating or drinking freshly prepared pineapple juice will help reduce the inflammation in the ears and the ear canal.
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Roast mustard oil with garlic and let it cool. Then take out the garlic clove and squeeze the extract into the ear.
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One can try yoga as it will help to increase blood circulation as well it oxygenates the whole body and the tissues with an adequate amount of oxygen as well as blood.
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Conclusion:
Tympanitis is a condition affecting the tympanic membrane of the ear. There is an inflammation of the tympanic membrane. As a result, the patient can have ear pain, fullness, and other symptoms similar to those seen in other conditions affecting the ear. If someone has any of these symptoms, consult a specialist to identify the cause and thus start the treatment.
