Mastoiditis

Overview

Mastoiditis happens when an ear infection spreads into the mastoid bone behind the ear.

It's rare now because ear infections are usually treated, but it can lead to serious infections if missed.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Swelling behind the ear
• Red, swollen, painful area behind the ear

Less common

• Fever
• Ear sticking out
• Ear drainage
• Headache
• Ear sticks out

When to get medical care

Causes

Ear infection.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children

Diagnosis

CT scan.

Treatment

Get care.

Self-care

• Finish all ear infection antibiotics
• Take all antibiotics

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat ear infections fully
• Keep vaccines up to date
• Treat ear infections

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children under 2: Most common.
• Children: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Most recover fully with prompt treatment.

Most cure with antibiotics.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Does my child need surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mastoiditis