This condition most often affects children but can also occur in adults.
Left untreated, infection brought on by mastoiditis can continue to spread and become life-threatening.
This article discusses mastoiditissymptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment options.
simarik / Getty Images
simarik / Getty Images
What Causes Mastoiditis?
The mastoid is the lower part of the temporal bones on each side of your skull.
Chronic mastoiditis causes persistent ear drainage and often occurs from a ruptured eardrum.
Can Mastoiditis Develop Without an Ear Infection?
Although rare, mastoiditis can occur without an ear infection.
Can Mastoiditis Go Away on Its Own?
Mastoiditis will not go away without treatment.
The infection will continue to spread, which can ultimately be life-threatening.
Even with proper treatment, the condition can return, leading to chronic mastoiditis.
They will use a handheld tool called anotoscopeto look at the inside of the ear.
A provider might also usetympanometry, a procedure to assess middle ear functioning.
Additional testing can include:
How Do Healthcare Providers Treat Mastoiditis?
In some cases, depending on the pop in of bacteria present, they provide additional antibiotics.
Sometimes, medications are unsuccessful in treating mastoiditis, in which case a healthcare provider will recommend surgical treatment.
They may place a tiny tube in this opening to help keep fluid from building up.
These tubes are temporary and typically fall out independently in about six to 12 months.
It most often develops after an ear infection and typically occurs in children.
Mastoiditis can lead to severe complications, including meningitis and hearing loss.
A healthcare provider can diagnose it through a physical exam, a culture, blood work, and imaging.
The primary treatment for mastoiditis is IV antibiotics, but more severe cases might require surgery.
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