Mastoiditis – What is it, Symptoms and Treatment!

Mastoiditis – What it is, Symptoms and Treatment that everyone should be aware of. Also, Mastoiditis  is an uncommon bacterial infection of the mastoid bone  behind the ear. It is usually seen in children, although adults can sometimes be affected.

The mastoid bone  has a honeycomb structure—it contains air spaces, called mastoid cells, that help maintain the air space in the middle ear  (see photo, left). Mastoiditis can develop when the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, usually as a result of a  persistent middle ear infection. So, Check out all about  Mastoiditis – What it is, Symptoms and Treatment:

What is Mastoiditis: Mastoiditis isa bacterial infection located in the mastoid process, a prominence of the temporal bone  , located behind the ear. The mastoid bone  consists of air spaces that help drain the middle ear .

Symptoms of Mastoiditis:  Manifestations usually begin to appear two or more weeks after a case of acute otitis media. As the infection spreads, internal areas of the mastoid process are destroyed. A bone abscess is likely to form. The skin that has the function of covering the mastoid bone ends up becoming swollen, painful and red. The outer ear  shifts to one side and is lowered.

• Headaches ;
• Ear discomfort ;
• Ear pain ;
• Irritability;
• Secretion coming out of the ear ;
• Fever that comes on suddenly.

Faced with these symptoms, a doctor should soon be consulted. Although it is not a serious disease, it can become quite complicated without proper treatment. A hospital stay is often required as it can be difficult to reach the depth needed to reach the  mastoid bone .

Causes of Mastoiditis: Commonly, this disorder occurs when an untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media spreads from middle ear to the  surrounding temporal bone and reaches the mastoid process. Middle ear bacteria can travel to the air cells of the mastoid bone , infecting them.

Also, a type of skin cyst in the middle ear  called a cholesteatoma can block drainage from the ear, leading to Mastoiditis . It can also result from infectious lymphadenopathy.

Prevention of Mastoiditis:  Some measures can be taken to prevent mastoiditis  and other serious infections. We can highlight, for example, the need for good hygiene and ear protection . A towel or gauze should be used daily to clean the ears . The internal area cannot, however, be cleaned with cotton swabs, as injuries or inflammation can be caused.

Ear wax  comes out naturally, there is no need to remove the excess. Drafts should be avoided, especially on cold days. Children need ear protection  after bathing, as well as the region must always be very dry. Loud television noises or music at a very high volume should be avoided. It is also not advisable to put the baby’s head under water.

If the child has an ear infection,  it is preferable not to travel by plane, as the higher air pressure can cause pain. Even if the child doesn’t have any problems, he feels the pressure on the plane much more than the adult. Chewing gum during the flight and drinking water helps reduce discomfort.

In addition to these measures, it is important that all ear disorders  are properly treated, especially otitis media. Otherwise the situations will be recurrent and the disorders constant.

Treatment of Mastoiditis:  Although it is not a serious disease, it almost always takes a hospital stay to treat Mastoiditis . Antibiotics need to be applied through injections and it can be a little complicated to reach the necessary depth outside the hospital environment.

After a period of treatment, the drugs are administered orally. In some situations, surgery to drain fluid may be necessary. The professional usually suggests a procedure in which a small opening is made in the eardrum to ensure drainage and pressure relief.

The prognosis of Mastoiditis  tends to be quite positive. The disease was once the cause of death for many children, however after the advent of antibiotics it became considered less serious. It is necessary to consult a doctor in the face of symptoms, so that he can correctly evaluate each case and indicate the best solution. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.