Mastoiditis is an uncommon bacterial infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear. It is usually seen in children, although adults can sometimes be affected.
Mastoiditis is an uncommon bacterial infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear. It is usually seen in children, although adults can sometimes be affected.
The mastoid bone has a honeycomb-like structure – it contains air spaces called mastoid cells, which help maintain the air space in the middle ear.
Mastoiditis can develop when the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, often as a result of a persistent
. This can cause the porous bone to break down.Mastoiditis typically causes:
Call your doctor if you or your child:
Mastoiditis sometimes develops after a middle ear infection. Bacteria from the middle ear can travel into the air cells of the mastoid bone.
Another possible cause of mastoiditis is a
(an abnormal collection of skin cells inside your ear), which may prevent the ear draining properly and lead to infection.Your doctor will want to examine the inside of your ear with an otoscope (an instrument with a light and magnifying glass), to see if any infection or cholesteatoma is present.
Most ear infections are due to a
(otitis media). If your doctor suspects you have mastoiditis as a complication of a middle ear infection, they will refer you to hospital to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Here you will have a further examination and tests – usually a blood test and an ear culture (testing the ear discharge for a bacterial infection).Some children may need a
, which uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the skull.Mastoiditis is treated with antibiotics.
You may need to go to hospital to be treated by an ENT specialist. Antibiotics are given to you via a drip, and you may need surgery to drain the ear and to have the infected mastoid bone removed.
You could be in hospital for a few days for this treatment, until the surgeons are happy the infection is under control.
Surgery to drain fluid from the ear is known as a myringotomy.
The doctor will make a small hole in your eardrum to drain the fluid and relieve pressure from deep inside your ear. A small tube may be inserted into the middle ear to provide ventilation and prevent fluid getting inside it. This tube will typically fall out after 6-12 months.
An operation to remove the infected mastoid bone is known as a cortical mastoidectomy – this is only usually needed if the infection is severe.
If you've had surgery, you'll need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation, and will probably need to take one or two weeks off work. Your doctor will advise you on this.
Take care not to get your operated ear wet. You should be able to wash your hair after a week, providing you do not get water inside your affected ear.
You should be able to go swimming about four to six weeks after the operation, depending on how well it has healed. Your doctor should be able to advise you at your follow-up appointment.
With early antibiotic treatment, most people recover quickly with no complications.
However, treatment is not always easy and the condition may come back.
If a severely infected bone is not removed, it can cause hearing loss and life-threatening health complications such as a blood clot, meningitis, or a brain abscess.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.