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EARDRUM, RUPTURED (Tympanic-Membrane Perforation)
EARDRUM, RUPTURED (Tympanic-Membrane Perforation)
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EARDRUM, RUPTURED
(Tympanic-Membrane Perforation)
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTIONA ruptured eardrum refers to a perforation of the thin membrane (tympanic membrane) that separates the inner ear from the outer ear. The eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the middle ear are involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Microsurgery to repair the perforation (rare).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Sudden pain in the child's ear.
Partial hearing loss.
Bleeding or discharge from the child's ear. The discharge may resemble pus within 24 to 48 hours after the rupture.
Ringing in the child's ear.
Dizziness.
CAUSES
Perforation of the eardrum when a sharp object is inserted in the ear, such as a cotton swab to clean the ear or relieve an itch or an unseen twig on a tree.
Sudden inward pressure in the child's ear, such as with a slap, a swimming or diving accident, or a nearby explosion.
Sudden outward pressure or suction, such as with a kiss over the ear.
Severe middle-ear infection.
RISK FACTORS
Recent middle-ear infection.
Head injury.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCE
Don't put any object into the child's ear canal.
CAUSES
).
Obtain prompt medical treatment for your child's middle-ear infections.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. When the child's eardrum ruptures, contents of the middle ear (primarily bones) can be seen with a special instrument called an otoscope. A healthy eardrum is almost transparent.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Ear infection with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Significant blood loss (rare).
Meningitis.
Mastoiditis (See Glossary).
Permanent hearing loss (rare).
PROBABLE OUTCOME
If your child's ruptured eardrum does not become infected, it will usually repair itself in 2 months. If it does become infected, the infection is curable with treatment, and your child's hearing is usually not affected permanently.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your child:
Don't blow your nose, if possible. If you must, blow gently.
Keep the ear canal dry. Don't swim, take showers, or get caught in the rain. Insert a wisp of cotton in the ear canal to keep moisture out of it when bathing.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
Sedatives or tranquilizers to reduce your child's apprehension.
Pain relievers. For minor pain, use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child can resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes. This condition is not contagious to others.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of a ruptured eardrum, especially a pus-like discharge.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Fever.
-- Pain that persists, despite treatment.
-- Dizziness that continues longer than 12 to 24 hours.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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From Complete Guide to Pediatric Symptoms, Illness & Medications by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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