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Mastoiditis - Mastoiditis symptom, treatment, causes


Mastoiditis is the inflammation of the breast caused by bacterial infection. Mastoiditis is most common in the early weeks of breastfeeding, when bacteria usually get into the breast through a cracked nipple.The infection causes a painful red swelling in the breast, and often high fever, If the infection is not treated promptly with antibiotics, an abscess may form.

Swelling and tenderness of both breasts due to hormones used to be called Mastoiditis. Because this condition is not caused by intlammation, the term hormonal MASTALGIA is now preferred.

Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone of the skull. The mastoid consists of air cells that drain the middle ear. The mastoid bone fills with infected materials and its honeycomb-like shape may degenerate. It is usually caused by untreated acute otitis media and used to be a leading cause of child mortality. Usually, symptoms appear 2 or more weeks after acute otitis media develops, as the spreading infection destroys the inner part of the mastoid process. The skin covering the mastoid process may become red, swollen, and tender, and the external ear is pushed sideways and down. Other symptoms are fever, pain around and within the ear, and a creamy, profuse discharge from the ear. With the development of antibiotics , however, mastoiditis has become quite rare in developed countries, most likely due to antibiotic treatment of otitis media before it can spread. It is treated with medications and/or surgery. If untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding structures including the brain causing serious complications.

Mastoiditis is the inflammation of the breast caused by bacterial infection. Mastoiditis, or infection of the mastoid bone, may be either acute or chronic. Mastoiditis is most common in the early weeks of breastfeeding, when bacteria usually get into the breast through a cracked nipple. If the air cells fill with infected materials, the mastoid honeycomb-like structure may deteriorate. Mastoiditis has been classified into two types, acute and subacute. Acute or classic mastoiditis refers to acute disease following AOM and involves the development of an abscess behind the ear. Sudden, rapid infection of the mastoid may be life-threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency usually requiring urgent surgical therapy. Swelling and tenderness of both breasts due to hormones used to be called Mastoiditis. Because this condition is not caused by intlammation, the term hormonal mastalgia is now preferred.

Causes of Mastoiditis

The common Causes of Mastoiditis :

  • The cause is often bacterial, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Children exposed to smoking.
  • Individuals with weak body defenses due to such diseases as AIDS or cancer .

Symptoms of Mastoiditis

Some Symptoms of Mastoiditis :

  • Fever.
  • Headaches.
  • Redness or swelling of the bone behind the ear.
  • Irritability .
  • Pain and redness behind the ear.
  • Partial or complete hearing loss.

Treatment of Mastoiditis

  • Intravenous and oral antibiotics, once the bacterial type is identified .
  • Painkillers .
  • Tylenol for fever.
  • The first line of treatment is frequent cleanings of the ear in the office by an ear specialist combined with use of topical therapy (ear drops or irrigations) at home.
  • Surgery to remove part of the bone and drain the mastoid may be needed if antibiotic therapy is not successful. Surgical drainage of the middle ear through the eardrum may be needed to treat the underlying middle ear infection.

 


Mastoiditis - Mastoiditis symptom, treatment, causes

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