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Home/ Diseases/Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis

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Mastoiditis

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  • Dr. Trinity J. Bivalacqua
  • Updated 2024-08-22
  • Published 2024-03-06

Mastoiditis | Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Complications

What is mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, a prominent bone behind the ear. It’s usually caused by a middle ear infection (otitis media) that spreads to the air cells of the mastoid bone. It can lead to swelling, pain, and tenderness behind the ear, fever, and drainage from the ear.

How is mastoiditis diagnosed?

Mastoiditis is diagnosed based on physical examination, symptoms, and medical history. Diagnostic tests may include an otoscopic exam, hearing tests, blood tests, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the infection and involvement of the mastoid bone.

What causes mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection that originates in the middle ear and then spreads to the mastoid bone. The most common bacteria causing mastoiditis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.

What are the symptoms of mastoiditis?

Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling behind the ear, fever, ear drainage, hearing loss in the affected ear, headache, and in severe cases, lethargy or irritability. The ear may also protrude outward due to swelling.

How is mastoiditis treated?

Treatment typically includes antibiotics, often intravenous at first, then oral. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to drain the infected area or remove part of the mastoid bone (mastoidectomy). Treating the underlying middle ear infection is also crucial.

Can mastoiditis lead to complications?

If untreated, mastoiditis can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, meningitis, brain abscess, and spread of infection to the brain or other parts of the skull. Early treatment is vital to prevent these serious outcomes.

Is mastoiditis preventable?

Mastoiditis can often be prevented by promptly treating ear infections to prevent them from spreading to the mastoid bone. Regular ear check-ups, especially in children with frequent ear infections, and vaccination against common pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae can also help reduce the risk.

When the middle ear infection spreads to the mastoid bone, it causes inflammation and leads to the formation of pus. This can result in severe pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected area. Other symptoms of mastoiditis may include fever, headache, hearing loss, drainage from the ear, and fatigue.

Mastoiditis primarily affects children, although adults can also develop this condition. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as the spread of infection to nearby structures, meningitis, or brain abscess.

Treatment for mastoiditis usually involves a combination of antibiotic medications to eliminate the infection and drainage of the abscess or pus-filled area. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected mastoid bone or to create a drainage pathway.

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Prevention of mastoiditis involves proper management of middle ear infections. It is important to seek prompt medical care for ear infections to prevent them from progressing to mastoiditis. Adequate treatment and follow-up care are essential to avoid complications and promote a complete recovery.

Mastoiditis

  • Delayed or inadequate treatment of middle ear infections
  • Spread of bacterial infection from the middle ear to the mastoid bone
  • Blockage or inflammation of the Eustachian tube
  • Weakened immune system
  • Previous episodes of mastoiditis

Mastoiditis Symptoms

  • Pain or discomfort in the ear
  • Swelling and redness behind the ear
  • Tenderness and warmth on touch
  • Ear drainage or discharge
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Irritability or restlessness (in children)
  • Hearing loss or difficulty hearing
  • Dizziness or vertigo
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