I returned to the doctor on Monday, and my tympanic membrane indeed was ruptured. As I have been treated with Biaxin and Augmentin already, and Ceftin doesn't agree with me, the doctor gave me Cedox samples to take for a 10 day course. Anyway, I get occasional drainage from the ear, and more from the eustatian tube, which makes my throat sore. On my own I've been wearing an ear plug when outside to protect it from the wind and weather, though I forgot to take it out yesterday and when I sneezed the ear plug shot out, right into my lab partner's face...a bit amusing. Anyway, the symptoms I described before were not dut to eustatian dysfunction, and my initial assumption was correct. I'd thought that if the ear drops were making it to my throat and making it miserable that there must be a leak somewhere. Now I'm just wondering how long this is going to take to heal properly.
Answer -------------------
Spontaneous rupture of the ear drum during an episode of otitis media is a protective mechanism - part of the body's natural defenses in warding off infection. In acute otitis media, one might consider the infection similar to an abscess or collection of pus in a cavity. In this situation, the cavity is the middle ear. If the abscess fails to resolve promptly, infection may spread inward towards the brain causing extension of infection in the form of meningitis or brain abscess. Fortunately such severe complications of otitis media are now rare thanks to antibiotics. The natural defense against such complications is to allow drainage of the abscess externally by rupture of the ear drum. When this occurs, the abscess is drained and typically the ear infection resolves much more quickly. The site of the rupture typically heals in a short period of time - usually within a few days. After a ruptured ear drum heals, it is common to experience an accumulation of serous fluid behind the ear drum which may last for a few weeks, causing the symptoms of plugging and mild hearing loss.
Spontaneous rupture of the ear drum during otitis media is seen somewhat less commonly than it was a several decades ago because of antibiotics. Unfortunately, the evolution of resistant bacterial organisms has caused certain antibiotics previously considered first-line therapy to become less effective. This can result in prolongation of otitis media and may account for some cases of spontaneous ear drum rupture.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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