
Can Eardrum Be Lanced To Relieve Pressure?

As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. From your description it seems that a simple myringotomy (lancing of the ear drum) will help a controlled release of pressure and the severe pain. The other option is injectable painkillers if nothing is done. Either the ear infection will settle down with medication or the eardrums may rupture again, releasing the pressure and pain. You may ask your physician to consider the complications by not releasing the fluid pressure. An HR (High Resolution) CT+MRI Scan of the Temporal Bones (and Sinuses) will help.
2. The decision whether to insert the ventilation tubes (grommets) depends upon the severity of the infection. In addition, a plain myringotomy incision is taken circumferentially to allow the incision site to gape and heal slowly, while the incision for a grommet is in a radial direction.
3. There is also the added benefit of being able to collect a sample of the middle ear fluid collection for bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity.
4. Once the infection is settled, a search for the reasons behind the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) can be investigated. This may be discussed later.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.

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