Loading icon
Health Information Center

Mastoiditis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Mastoiditis

(Acute mastoiditis)

Definition

Mastoiditis is swelling or infection of the small air cells in the mastoid bone of the ear. Over time, this can cause the bone tissue to break down.

Causes

Mastoiditis is most often caused by a bacterial infection due to a long lasting middle ear infection .

The Middle Ear.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=24492449si55551181.jpgThe Middle EarNULLjpgThe Middle EarNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\si55551181.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.20NULL2002-10-012553912449_889466Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in young children. Things that may raise the risk are:

  • A weak immune system
  • Recent surgery to remove diseased mastoid air cells

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Swelling and redness behind the ear, pushing it forward
  • Fever
  • Ear pain
  • Discharge from the ear
  • Irritability
  • Decreased hearing

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will be asked about your history of ear infections. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options are:

Prevention

Mastoiditis is most often caused by an ear infection. Getting treated for an ear infection may lower the risk of mastoiditis.

Medicine

Antibiotics will be given to treat infection. This is often done by IV and then by mouth.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute mastoiditis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-mastoiditis .
  • Kordeluk S, Kraus M, et al. Challenges in the management of acute mastoiditis in children. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2015 May;17(5):479.
  • Mastoiditis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear-nose-and-throat-disorders/middle-ear-and-tympanic-membrane-disorders/mastoiditis.
  • Mastoiditis. NHS Choices website. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastoiditis/Pages/Introduction.aspx.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.