Mastoiditis is a serious ear infection that occurs in the mastoid bone behind the ear, typically as a result of an untreated middle ear infection. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and fever. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. If left untreated, mastoiditis can lead to hearing loss, facial paralysis, and even meningitis.
Mastoiditis is a type of ear infection that occurs in the mastoid bone, the portion of the skull behind the ear. The infection is typically the result of an untreated middle ear infection that spreads to this bone. It occurs most often in children and can pose serious health risks if left untreated.
The area of the ear behind the eardrum is known as the middle ear. It can become infected due to a variety of factors including bacteria, ear structure, or genetic predisposition. Middle ear infections are usually not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. If the infection is left untreated or does not respond to antibiotics, it can move to the outside of the mastoid bone and cause mastoiditis.
Some of the symptoms of mastoiditis are the same as for other types of ear infections, such as the ear feeling tender or having blood, pus, or fluid leaking. Once the mastoid bone becomes infected, the area behind the ear may become red or swollen enough for the ears to protrude slightly. The infection can also cause a sudden high fever or headache.
Mastoiditis can get worse over time if it isn’t treated when symptoms start. A doctor will usually be able to diagnose the infection by examining the physical appearance of the inner and outer ear. He or she usually feels behind the ear for a swollen mastoid bone. A doctor may also take an X-ray to check for inflammation of the mastoid bone or any other abnormality of the inner ear. He or she may also collect a sample of any discharge from the ear and examine it for bacteria.
Since mastoiditis is a bacterial infection, it requires antibiotic medication to treat and kill the bacteria. A doctor will typically give an antibiotic injection, followed by a dose of oral antibiotic medication. The infection often requires two forms of antibiotics because the bacteria are buried deep within the mastoid bone. Even with extensive antibiotic treatment, the infection may be too deep to be cleared completely with medication alone.
More severe cases of mastoiditis that don’t respond to antibiotics can usually be treated surgically. A surgeon can remove a small portion of the mastoid bone to get to the source of the infection and empty out any fluid. If bacteria-filled fluid is left behind, the infection can keep coming back.
If mastoiditis is not treated, it can lead to deterioration of the mastoid bone or cause hearing loss. The bacteria can also spread from the bone and affect the facial muscles, resulting in facial paralysis. In some cases, it can cause meningitis, a potentially fatal infection that occurs in the protective membranes that surround the brain.
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