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Warning-sign checks

Infectious myringitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe headache with neck stiffness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, seizures or other serious neurological symptoms.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated infectious myringitis.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment for severe ear pain, new ear discharge, fever with ear symptoms, or noticeable hearing reduction.

    A young infant with fever or suspected ear pain should also be assessed promptly.

    Get urgent medical help for:

    • Redness, pain or swelling behind the ear
    • An ear that begins to stick outward
    • New weakness or drooping on one side of the face
    • Sudden major hearing loss
    • Severe dizziness or difficulty walking
    • Worsening illness despite treatment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Seek follow-up if symptoms are not starting to improve after treatment, or if they improve and then return.

    Routine follow-up is also appropriate when muffled hearing, a blocked feeling or discharge continues after the acute pain has settled.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Infectious myringitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.