Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. The mastoid bone is part of the temporal bone and contains air-filled cavities that connect to the middle ear.

Causes and Risk Factors

Mastoiditis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Staphylococcus aureus. The infection typically spreads from the middle ear to the mastoid bone through the air-filled cavities. Risk factors for developing mastoiditis include:

• History of recurrent ear infections (otitis media)
• Recent ear surgery or trauma
• Weakened immune system
• Aging, as the risk increases with age

Symptoms

The symptoms of mastoiditis may include:

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Fever
• Redness and swelling behind the ear
• Pus or discharge from the ear
• Hearing loss or decreased hearing
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

Mastoiditis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests, including:

• Otoscopy (examination of the ear canal and eardrum)
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate the extent of the infection
• Culture of ear discharge or blood to identify the causative bacteria

Treatment

Treatment for mastoiditis usually involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive care. The goals of treatment are to:

• Eliminate the infection with antibiotics, such as intravenous (IV) antibiotics or oral antibiotics
• Manage symptoms, such as pain and fever, with over-the-counter medications
• Drain any abscesses or infected fluid that may have accumulated behind the ear

Complications

If left untreated or inadequately treated, mastoiditis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Brain abscess or meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
• Facial paralysis or weakness
• Hearing loss or permanent damage to the ear
• Sepsis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing mastoiditis, it is essential to:

• Practice good ear hygiene and avoid inserting objects into the ears
• Get vaccinated against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
• Treat ear infections promptly and completely with antibiotics, if prescribed by a healthcare provider