Pediatric Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone with inflammation. This bone is one of the bones in the head. It is the hard bone located behind the ear. The mastoid bone is made of cells that drain the middle ear. Mastoiditis may be mild or very serious.

Mastoiditis is a complication of a middle ear infection. It happens when the infection in the middle ear spreads into the mastoid bone. Although it may be seen at any age, mastoiditis is more common in children two years and under.

Here are the most common symptoms of mastoiditis:

• Pain, redness, or swelling behind the ear
• Ear pain
• An ear lobe that sticks out because of swelling of the mastoid bone
  
• Fever
• Being grouchy or fussy
• Pulling the ear or hitting it
• A bad smell coming from the ear
• Pus or other fluid coming from the ear
  
• Headache
• Hearing loss

Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. Have your child examined by their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Your child’s healthcare provider will ask questions about your child’s health history and current symptoms. They will examine your child. The provider will pay close attention to the ears, nose and throat. They will use a lighted instrument called an otoscope to look at the middle ear. Your child may need an X-ray and CT scan of the mastoid area. Fluid from the middle ear may be sent to the lab to be checked.

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.

Treatment often includes antibiotic medicine and draining the middle ear. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, the antibiotics can be given in the vein or by mouth. Your child may need ear tubes. Your child may need to stay in the hospital. Some children may need other surgery. If you are sent home with antibiotics, it's very important to give the medicine as directed and finish the entire prescription. The prescription should be finished even if your child no longer has symptoms.

Possible complications include:

• Hearing loss
• Serious infection in nearby tissue
• Facial nerve damage
• Inner ear problems
• Inflammation or infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)

Mastoiditis is often treated by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) healthcare provider. It's very important for your child to go to all follow-up appointments to check for hearing problems and other complications. Most children recover without long-term problems if they get treatment quickly, take medicine as directed, and go to follow-up appointments.

Mastoiditis is a complication of a middle ear infection. So it's important to get medical care and treat an ear infection before it spreads to the mastoid bone. Make sure that your child's immunizations are up-to-date. Don't smoke when around your child. If your child has any allergies, discuss with your healthcare provider about ways to control or treat them.