Mastoiditis, a mastoid sinus infection, was fatal prior to invention of antibiotics. Now-a-days, mastoiditis is uncommon and a less dangerous disease. Thanks to antibiotics!
However, treating mastoiditis is still difficult because medication may not reach the affected area. The curable condition may reappear after the treatment. Thus, it may need long-term therapy or treatment more than once. Initial antibiotic injections are followed by a course of oral antibiotics. Antibiotics are given through an intravenous (IV) catheter to children. Most of the cases, including chronic conditions, can be treated by effective antibiotics.
If antibiotic does not heal the symptoms, mastoidectomy-surgery of the mastoid- may be required. During the surgery, infected part is removed and the mastoid is cleaned. Acute mastoid sinus infection may require immediately after surgery. During myringotomy, a surgical technique, a small opening is made to drain the infected fluid out from the middle ear, relieving pressure on the ear. Fluid draining process restores hearing ability in the patient.
Appropriate treatment of ear infections in timely fashion can prevent mastoiditis or reduce the chances of mastoiditis. If antibiotics are used to treat ear infections, chances of developing mastoiditis will be less. Consult a doctor if ear infection persists. Patient specific treatment, determined by doctor, depends on a number of factors, such as overall health of the patient, age group, medical history, level / stage of disease, patient’s tolerance to therapies, procedures or medications, and guardians’ preferences.
Although some times young patients may be hospitalized for the treatment, most of the mastoiditis incidences can be treated successfully within one and a half week. However, if symptoms of mastoid sinus infection are ignored or not treated properly, complications may occur, such as
- It may damage the mastoid bone.
- Patients may feel vertigo or dizziness.
- Epidural abscess, pus accumulated between the bones of the spine or skull and the outer membrane of the brain, may develop.
- Paralysis of the face may occur.
- The infection may lead to meningitis.
- Loss of hearing may be complete or partial.
- The infection may spread to the whole body or the brain.
- Untreated acute mastoiditis may also cause blood poisoning and deafness.
- Other complications include thrombosis, citelli abscess and osteomyelitis. For instance, thrombosis of the lateral or transverse sinus may occur.
So do not ignore signs of mastoiditis.