Mastoiditis Research Paper

Mastoiditis, Pediatric

Mastoiditis is an infection that affects the bony area of the skull behind your child's ears (mastoid process).

CAUSES

Mastoiditis is caused by bacteria. It may also be a complication of a middle ear infection.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for mastoiditis include:

• Age. Mastoiditis is most common in younger children, usually under the age of 2.

• Having multiple ear infections with constaint drainage.

• Having a weakened defense (immune) system.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of mastoiditis may include:

• Pain, redness, and swelling behind your child's ear.

• Fever.

• Redness and swelling of your child's ear lobe or ear.

• Drainage from your child's ear.

• Headache.

• Hearing problems.

• Cultures of ear drainage.

• X-rays.

• CT scan.

• MRI.

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on how serious the infection is. It may include hospitalization. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics. These may be given by orally. They may also be given through a vein (intravenously).

• Surgery, such as:

○ A procedure (myringotomy) to relieve the pressure from the middle ear.

○ A procedure (mastoidectomy) to remove the infected tissue from the mastoid process.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Give your child antibiotic medicine as directed by the health care provider. Have your child finish the antibiotic even if he or she starts to feel better.

• Give medicines only as directed by your child's health care provider.

• Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your child's health care provider. This is important.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

• Your child has a fever.

• Your child develops a new headache or ear or facial pain.

• Your child develops hearing loss.

• Your child is nauseous or vomits.

• Your child has a rash.

• Your child has diarrhea.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:

• Your child develops a severe headache or ear or facial pain.

• Your child has sudden hearing