Diseases Of The Nose Throat And Ear

316 THE EAR

and benzoin) steam inhalations are helpful in relieving viscid nasal
secretion.

The finding of an inflamed drumhead is an indication for antibiotic
therapy and the antibiotic of first choice, except in cases of known sensi-
tivity, is penicillin which should initially be administered parenterally. The
first dose should be of 1 million units of benzyl penicillin. Therapy may then
be continued, if the initial response is favourable, by an oral penicillin, e.g.
phenoxymethylpenicillin, giving 250 mg 4- or 6-hourly to the adult and
125 mg at the same intervals to the child.

The duration of treatment is important and should be judged by the
clinical and, where there is aural discharge, bacteriological response. If the
response is satisfactory treatment should be continued for not less than 5,
and preferably 7, days. If there has been no clinical improvement after 48
hours on full penicillin dosage a change to a broad-spectrum antibiotic,

Fig, 167. Incision of the drumhead (myringotomy). The small figure shows the extent and direction of

the inqision.

e.g. ampicillin or the cephalosporins, in suitable dosage must be considered.
These should be given for 7 days. Inadequate dosage or the too early with-
drawal of an antibiotic increases the risk of persisting infection with the
possible production of a masked mastoid infection.

In severe cases, where it is believed that perforation is imminent, myringo-
tomy may be required (Fig. 167). The decision to operate is made on the
appearance of the drumhead and the persistence of pain which robs the
patient of a night's sleep. Another indication for myringotomy is a delayed
resolution of the drumhead which remains congested and full in spite of
adequate antibiotic therapy. The operation is performed under general
anaesthesia, the incision being made in the most bulging part of the mem-
brane. The membrane is thickened and the incision must be sufficiently
deep to enter the middle ear cavity. Pus usually wells out, and a swab should
be taken for bacteriological culture and sensitivity tests.