Mastoiditis
What is Mastoiditis? Mastoiditis is an infection which is present in the mastoid bone (located on the back side of your ear) of the middle ear. It is an infection that is caused by bacteria in the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone connects the middle portion of the ear with the skull and throat. It has an important biological function in the human anatomy. The bone consists of air spaces, which drains particles out of the middle ear. It is very important for the ear to, therefore, receive air. When a person contacts bacteria, then the mastoid cells get infected and swollen.
What is Mastoiditis?
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Mastoid bone is a very important part of the ear however it is not visible like other bones. This bone is very soft, spongy, and consists of air sacs. If an infection happens, it can also lead to skull infection. A skull infection is a very serious health condition as it leads to brain abscess (or cerebral abscess). An abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues and can further lead to severe inflammation and collection of infected material in the brain.
Causes of Mastoiditis The most common reason for having mastoiditis is the middle ear infection (otitis media). The bacteria which are present in the middle ear will further affect the air cells of the mastoid bone. Mastoiditis can also happen because of cholesteatoma. It is a condition in which abnormal cells get placed in skin cells (of the middle ear). It further leads to inflammation in the middle ear, spreading the infection to the mastoid bone.
Risks of Mastoiditis Some of the common risks of mastoiditis include: Brain abscess Blood clot Meningitis
Prevention of Mastoiditis Following are some measures that can be followed to prevent mastoiditis:
Preventive antibiotics to remove the infection Covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing Washing hands frequently Quitting smoking Taking proper pneumococcal vaccine
How is Mastoiditis diagnosed? Your doctor will use following measures to diagnose mastoiditis:
Physical Examination Blood Tests X-ray MRI Scan CT Scan
Symptoms of Mastoiditis Some common symptoms of mastoiditis include:
Ear drainage or discharge from the ear Pain in the ear Fever Headaches Discomfort in hearing Irritation Swelling behind the ear Softening of ear muscles, and redness
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