Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection which affects the mastoid bone which is found behind the ear. This condition is considered serious and quite prevalent among children but adults can sometimes be affected.
The mastoid bone has a characteristic honeycomb structure that contains air spaces known as mastoid cells. These mastoid cells maintain the air space in the middle ear. Mastoiditis develops if the mastoid cells are inflamed or infected, usually due to a persistent case of middle ear infection which causes the porous bone to degenerate.
Indications of mastoiditis
- Redness, pain or tenderness behind the ear
- Ear drainage
- Swelling behind the ear that causes it to protrude outwards
- Fever, tiredness and irritability
- Headache
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
Redness, pain or tenderness behind the ear
When to consult a doctor
A doctor should be consulted if the following are present:
- Any symptoms of mastoiditis
- Ear infection that does not settle with treatment or followed by new symptoms
- Been diagnosed with mastoiditis and treatment was not effective
Management of mastoiditis
As a serious infection, mastoiditis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. The individual should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility so that antibiotics are administered intravenously via a drip.
In some instances, surgery is required to drain the middle ear or to get rid of the mastoid bone. If the individual was admitted for treatment, he/she has to stay for a few days until the infection is completely controlled.
After surgery
If surgery was carried out, the individual has to take 1-2 weeks break from work. Remember that the affected ear should not get wet. The individual can wash his/her hair after a week as long as water does not enter the ear.
It is not advisable to go swimming for 4-6 weeks after surgery depending on how well the affected ear has healed.
What is the outlook?
If antibiotics are started early, most cases are able to achieve recovery rapidly and do not develop any complications. Nevertheless, treatment is not always easy and the infection might recur.
If the mastoid bone is significantly infected and not removed, it can result to hearing loss and life-threatening health issues such as meningitis, blood clot or even a brain abscess.