In a simple case of mastoiditis some fluid escapes into the mastoid air cells during a middle ear infection.
With early identification of mastoiditis, the prognosis is very good. When symptoms are not caught early enough, however, a number of complications can occur.
What is mastoiditis?!Why would you need to know that!
Mastoiditis can cause hearing loss which may result in tinnitus.
Prevention of mastoiditis involves careful and complete treatment of any middle ear infections.
Mastoiditis is caused by the same types of bacteria which cause middle ear infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae).
Mastoiditis is usually suspected when a severe middle ear infection is accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain in the mastoid area.
Symptoms of mastoiditis may at first be the same as symptoms of an early middle ear infection.
Mastoiditis may occur due to the progression of an untreated, or undertreated, middle ear infection.
Otitis Media or middle ear infection can cause Mastoiditis or bacterial infection of the mastoid bone. If Otitis Media is untreated and recurrent, this can cause Mastoiditis. Mastoiditis typically affects children moreso than adults.
In the case of a very severe infection of the mastoid bone itself, with a collection of pus (abscess ), an operation to remove the mastoid part of the temporal bone is often necessary (mastoidectomy ).
While mastoiditis is a serious condition that can lead to complications if left untreated, such as meningitis or a brain abscess, it is usually not fatal with prompt medical treatment. Antibiotics are typically used to treat mastoiditis, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you suspect you have mastoiditis, seek medical attention promptly.