Which factor listed below is NOT a cause of an erythematous tympanic membrane?

Which factor listed below is NOT a cause of an erythematous tympanic membrane?

• A. Coughing
• B. High fever
• C. Crying
• D. Acute inflammation

Answer: (A)

Erythema of the tympanic membrane comes from increased blood flow in the tympanic mucosa, usually due to inflammation or systemic factors that drive vasodilation. Acute inflammation in the middle ear clearly causes the membrane to look red as part of otitis media. A high fever often accompanies infection and contributes to vascular changes that can redden the TM. Crying can transiently redden the tympanic membrane because facial and head venous congestion from crying increases blood flow to the area, giving a temporary red appearance. Coughing, on the other hand, mainly affects airway patency and pressure changes in the middle ear but does not directly cause the vascular reddening of the tympanic membrane. So coughing is not a cause of an erythematous tympanic membrane.

Erythema of the tympanic membrane comes from increased blood flow in the tympanic mucosa, usually due to inflammation or systemic factors that drive vasodilation. Acute inflammation in the middle ear clearly causes the membrane to look red as part of otitis media. A high fever often accompanies infection and contributes to vascular changes that can redden the TM. Crying can transiently redden the tympanic membrane because facial and head venous congestion from crying increases blood flow to the area, giving a temporary red appearance. Coughing, on the other hand, mainly affects airway patency and pressure changes in the middle ear but does not directly cause the vascular reddening of the tympanic membrane. So coughing is not a cause of an erythematous tympanic membrane.