Mastoiditis: Symptoms, root causes, and diagnostic methods explained
Mastoiditis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the mastoid bone located behind the ear, is a condition that demands immediate attention. This article aims to shed light on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this serious ear infection.
In very young children, signs of mastoiditis may include mood changes, frequent crying, hitting the side of their head, pulling on their ears, and swelling behind or under the ear. Older individuals might experience symptoms such as swelling behind the ear, pus from the ear, throbbing pain, difficulty hearing, fever or chills, a bad smell from the ear, ear appearing to stick out more or be pushed forward, hearing problems like ringing in the ear, and pain that might seem out of proportion.
Diagnosis of mastoiditis typically involves a doctor performing an examination, asking questions about symptoms, and potentially conducting blood tests or a CT scan of the ear to rule out other health conditions.
Mastoiditis can develop without an ear infection, in which case it may be referred to as "incipient" mastoiditis. It can be caused by untreated or antibiotic-resistant ear infections, abnormal growth of skin cells in the middle ear (cholesteatoma), or ear polyps that may result in further obstruction.
Common treatments for mastoiditis include both medical and surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the infection. Hospitalization with intravenous (IV) antibiotics is the cornerstone of treatment, often accompanied by surgical procedures if medical therapy is insufficient or complications arise.
Surgical interventions may include a myringotomy, which involves making a small hole in the eardrum to relieve pressure and drain fluid, sometimes with insertion of tubes to facilitate continuous drainage and improve hearing. In severe cases or persistent infections unresponsive to antibiotics, a mastoidectomy – the surgical removal of infected parts of the mastoid bone – may be necessary. If there is an abscess in or around the mastoid bone or extending into the skull, surgical drainage may be required to relieve the infection and prevent further complications.
Prompt treatment of middle ear infections is crucial to prevent mastoiditis. Early use of prescribed antibiotics for ear infections and good hygiene practices like handwashing reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the mastoid bone.
Without timely and adequate treatment, mastoiditis can lead to severe complications such as hearing loss, brain infections, seizures, facial nerve damage, meningitis, and blood clots in the brain’s sinuses.
To reduce the risk of developing an ear infection, it's essential to wash the hands regularly and avoid contact with people who are unwell. Older antibiotics left over from an earlier illness should not be used for a current infection, and taking the right antibiotics for each infection is critical in preventing mastoiditis.
In some cases, mastoiditis can erode the bone and drain away through the eardrum, but it usually requires medical care. Antibiotics can treat mastoiditis, most people need to receive the treatment through an IV, which typically requires hospitalization.
It is crucial to seek medical attention for any signs of mastoiditis, as without effective antibiotic treatment, the infection can spread throughout the bones of the skull and may travel through the blood to organs, including the brain. Anyone with a weakened immune system should see a doctor immediately about any signs of an infection.
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