Eardrum rupture or perforation

Very low urgency
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Tear in the thin tissue called the eardrum, which separates the ear canal from the middle ear. It is caused by infection, sudden pressure changes, excessive noise or direct trauma. It is diagnosed by medical examination and confirmed by otoscopy. It usually heals spontaneously, although surgical intervention may sometimes be necessary. For as long as the tear exists, there is a risk of infection and hearing loss.

Bibliographic references
  1. Orji FT, Agu CC. Determinants of spontaneous healing in traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane. Clin Otolaryngol 2008; 33:420.
  2. Mirza S, Richardson H. Otic barotrauma from air travel. J Laryngol Otol 2005; 119:366.
  3. Wohlgelernter J, Gross M, Eliashar R. Traumatic perforation of tympanic membrane by cotton tipped applicator. J Trauma 2007; 62:1061.
  4. Ameen ZS, Chounthirath T, Smith GA, Jatana KR. Pediatric Cotton-Tip Applicator-Related Ear Injury Treated in United States Emergency Departments, 1990-2010. J Pediatr 2017; 186:124.
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Symptoms

    Discharge of fluid from the ear


    Pus in the ear canal


    Partial hearing loss


    Bleeding through the ear


    Feeling of fluid in the ear

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Secretion of whitish liquid (pus)

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Keep the ear dry, place cotton wool coated with petroleum jelly in the ear when having a shower.
Avoid blowing your nose.