Redness inside the ear may have several causes, including conditions that affect the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
These can include infection, inner-ear irritation, injury, and even allergies.
You’ll need to visit a healthcare provider for an examination.
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This article discusses the differences between a healthy eardrum and one that is inflamed or irritated.
Red vs. A healthcare provider uses a lighted, magnifying instrument called an otoscope to check for such changes.
Redness inside the ear is often an indication of irritation or inflammation in the body.
To investigate further, your provider will look at the movement (mobility) of the eardrum.
Diseases of the ears can alsocause the eardrum to appear bulgingor retracted.
Acute Otitis Media
Middle ear infections (acute otitis media) are common condition.
They affect people of all ages, but are much more common in small children.
Ear infections can cause a red eardrum that may also bulge and be immobile.
Middle ear infections are usually because of bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.
The infection causes redness and irritation of the external ear canal which can spread to the eardrum.
Swimmer’s ear is commonly treated with antibiotic ear drops.
Injury
Trauma to the eardrum is another common cause of a red eardrum.
A cotton swab being put too far into the ear canal.
In addition to redness, an injured eardrum can cause pain, drainage, or visible signs of trauma.
Excessive pressure builds up behind the eardrum.
In some cases, it can even rupture.
It can also be the result of being exposed to a very loud noise, like an explosion.
These vesicles are sometimes filled with blood.
You may develop bullous myringitis if you have a viral infection such as influenza.
Fungal myringitis is a similar infection of the tympanic membrane that is because of a fungus.
Allergic conditions are often treated with steroid ear drops that help with inflammation.
Summary
A red eardrum can be triggered by infections, injury, and allergies.
Most causes of a red eardrum wont cause long-term problems as long as theyre diagnosed and treated.
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