Patient's question:
Otitis media with effusion, the doctor said it has perforated. The first episode lasted for about ten days. After it healed on its own, it recurred due to fever. Previous treatment and effectiveness: The condition improved after medication, but it recurred again with fever. The assistance provided during the recurrence: Otitis media with effusion can...Doctor's answer:
The baby's eardrum has a strong regenerative ability. Under normal circumstances, after a tympanic membrane perforation, it can heal within 10 to 15 days. However, if there are influencing factors such as chronic inflammation, whether the perforation can heal depends on the specific situation.(1) Acute purulent otitis media
With acute purulent otitis media, after the tympanic membrane perforation, purulent discharge occurs in the middle ear. If treated correctly—cleaning the discharge with hydrogen peroxide, applying antibiotic drops to the ear, and using systemic antibiotics—the perforation generally heals within 10 to 15 days.
(3) Chronic purulent otitis media
In chronic purulent otitis media, the perforation is usually small and intermittent, with purulent discharge. If the ear remains dry for an extended period, the tympanic membrane may heal on its own. However, if the chronic otitis media involves a large perforation and purulent accumulation in the middle ear, the perforation rarely heals. Some patients may have a perforated eardrum for years, with continuous purulent discharge.
Therefore, regardless of the cause of the tympanic membrane perforation, as long as proper treatment and care are provided after the perforation, it can generally heal. The tympanic membrane needs to be rebuilt. If it is not properly healed, you may develop conductive hearing loss. Never let water enter the ear, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.
Precautions:
Most middle ear infection patients experience some degree of hearing loss. In children, long-term poor hearing can interfere with their interest and ability to learn. In adults, it can affect social interaction and quality of life. Therefore, patience is essential when dealing with these patients, and the volume may need to be increased for communication.
Middle ear infection patients should maintain a calm environment and avoid excessive physical activity. They should not play the flute or blow up balloons. Frequent face washing is necessary to maintain oral hygiene, and breathing through the nose is preferred. When napping on their side, the affected ear should face downward. When blowing their nose, they should not do so forcefully. Proper movement also helps keep the nasal passage and eustachian tube open, maintaining metabolic and ventilation functions in the middle ear.
If a fever occurs again, especially with nasal congestion, it should not be taken lightly. Early treatment is necessary to prevent the condition from worsening. For chronic middle ear infection patients with a perforated eardrum, it is particularly important to prevent dirty water from entering the middle ear through the external auditory canal (e.g., when washing hair or skating). If necessary, earplugs can be used to prevent this. If water gets into the ear, a hairdryer can be used to dry it, or the head can be tilted to let the water drain out. Avoid digging in the ear to prevent further injury.