What would typically happen to the appearance of the tympanic membrane if there is an acute otitis media?

In cases of acute otitis media, the tympanic membrane typically becomes bulging and erythematous. This occurs due to the accumulation of fluid and pus in the middle ear, resulting from an infection. The pressure from the fluid buildup pushes the tympanic membrane outward, causing a bulging appearance.

Additionally, the inflammation associated with the infection leads to increased blood flow and redness (erythema) of the membrane, making it look distinctively different from a healthy tympanic membrane. These visual signs are critical for healthcare providers to recognize, as they indicate the presence of an infection that may require treatment, typically antibiotics or other interventions.

In contrast, a normal tympanic membrane would appear clear and intact, while retraction would suggest other conditions, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction. Flat appearance may indicate a different pathology not associated with acute otitis media. Thus, the bulging and erythematous description directly reflects the functional and anatomical consequences of acute infections in the ear.