If a patient has a bulging eardrum what does it indicate to the nurse?

Answer 1

There are a couple things it could be, in a young baby it may just be fluid from a cold, or even from being fed while lying flat. The distance between the back of the throat - sinus - ears is very short, making babies very susceptible to fluid and even infection behind the membrane.

The other likely cause is air travel, everyone is susceptible but in someone with a cold "barotrauma" is almost guaranteed. It is the most common medical problem reported by air travelers. It is much more likely to happen to people who have colds, Allergies or infections when they are flying. It is common in children because their Eustachian tubes are narrower than those of adults and become blocked more easily.

If the bulge and pressure from fluid is causing severe pain and is not responding to decongestants the doctor may have to put a small hole in the membrane to allow it to drain. The fluid can cause dizzy spells, visual disturbance and hearing loss. A need to "pop" your ears by swallowing, yawning or Chewing Gum

Barotrauma can also be seen in divers, it will most likely cause the same symptoms and can cause severe pain on subsequent dives until it heals.