Description Mastoiditis is the ...
Description
Mastoiditis is the inflammation of air cells in the temporal bone (bone that contains the inner/middle ear). Mastoiditis is associated with middle ear infections (otitis media). The infection of the middle ear can extend into the air cells of the mastoid and result in bone infection and bone destruction. Streptococcus bacteria are the most common bacteria causing mastoiditis. Mastoiditis is a disease of young people although it can occur at any age.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include ear pain, ear fullness, pain along the bony ridge behind the ear, irritability or hearing loss.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ear (otologic) exam will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. A puncture of the ear drum (tympanic membrane) also called the (tympanocentesis) to obtain fluid for analysis may be done. This fluid can also be obtained by making a small incision in the tympanic membrane (myringotomy).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Middle ear fluid culture
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ear (otologic) exam will be performed. Laboratory and imaging tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. A puncture of the ear drum (tympanic membrane) also called the (tympanocentesis) to obtain fluid for analysis may be done. This fluid can also be obtained by making a small incision in the tympanic membrane (myringotomy).
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Middle ear fluid culture
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Treatment
Treatment involves a combination of intravenous antibiotics and oral antibiotics. Surgical intervention may also be required depending on the extent of the infection. Surgery procedures may range from tympanostomy tube placement, to drainage of middle ear fluid, to removal of a portion of the mastoid bone (mastoidectomy).