Mastoiditis is an inflammation of the mastoid bone, which is found in the prominence behind the ear, and is more common in children, although it can affect people of all ages. Mastoiditis is usually caused by a complication of otitis media, when the microorganisms responsible for the infection extend beyond the ear and reach the bone.
Mastoid infection causes severe inflammation of the bone, causing redness, swelling, and pain in the bone behind the ear, as well as fever and purulent discharge. In the case of symptoms indicative of mastoiditis, an assessment by the general practitioner, pediatrician or otolaryngologist is necessary, so that antibiotic treatment can be started as soon as possible, avoiding complications such as abscess formation and bone destruction.
The most common symptoms of mastoiditis include
Acute mastoiditis is the most common form of presentation, however, the chronic form also develops, which has a slower progression and milder symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor should evaluate your symptoms, examine your ear, and, if necessary, order imaging tests such as CT scans. In addition, to identify the bacteria that cause the infection, samples of ear secretions may be taken.
Mastoiditis usually occurs as a result of acute otitis and otitis that has not been treated or has been abused, which can occur when using the wrong doses, discontinue use before the indicated time or when the antibiotic used is not enough to eliminate the microorganism.cause, for example.
The microorganisms most commonly cause this type of infection are Staphylococcus pyogenes, S.pneumoniae and S. aureus, which can extend from the ear to the bone.
Treatment of mastoiditis is guided by the otolaryngologist and is usually done with the use of intravenous antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, for example, for approximately 2 weeks.
If an abscess is formed or there is no clinical improvement with the use of antibiotics, drainage of secretion may be indicated by a procedure called myringotomy or, in more severe cases, the opening of the mastoid may be necessary.
Very severe or poorly treated mastoiditis can cause
When it causes complications, it means that mastoiditis is very severe and requires prompt treatment at the hospital level, otherwise it can lead to death.