Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is the inflammation of the mastoid bone, a prominent bony structure behind the ear. The mastoid bone is the back part of the temporal bone of the skull located just behind the inner ear. It typically occurs as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infections (otitis media).
Mastoiditis is more common in children, but it can affect adults as well.
Types:
• Acute Mastoiditis: Develops rapidly and presents with severe symptoms.
• Chronic Mastoiditis: Develops gradually and may persist for an extended period, often with less severe symptoms.
Symptoms:
• Ear pain, often severe, especially behind or within the ear.
• Swelling, redness, and tenderness behind the ear.
• Fever and chills.
• Discharge from the ear, which may be pus-like and foul-smelling.
• Hearing loss or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.
• Headache.
• Fatigue and irritability, especially in children.
Causes:
• Bacterial Infections: Most commonly, mastoiditis develops as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media, which allows bacteria to spread from the middle ear to the mastoid air cells.
• Viral Infections: While less common, viral infections such as measles or mumps can also lead to mastoiditis.
• Blocked Eustachian Tube: Conditions that block the Eustachian tube, such as allergies or respiratory infections, can contribute to the development of mastoiditis by trapping fluid and bacteria in the middle ear.
Risk Factors:
• Age: Children, particularly those under the age of two, are at higher risk due to the smaller size and more horizontal orientation of their Eustachian tubes, making drainage less efficient.
• Recent Upper Respiratory Infections: Conditions that cause congestion or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract can increase the risk of developing mastoiditis.
• Compromised Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to infections, including mastoiditis.
• Previous Ear Infections: People with a history of recurrent or chronic otitis media are at increased risk of developing mastoiditis.
Complications:
• Hearing Loss: Damage to the structures of the middle ear or inner ear can result in temporary or permanent hearing impairment.
• Facial Nerve Damage: In severe cases, mastoiditis can lead to inflammation or compression of the facial nerve, causing facial weakness or paralysis.
• Meningitis: The infection can spread from the mastoid bone to the surrounding tissues, including the meninges, leading to meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Brain Abscess: Rarely, untreated mastoiditis can result in the formation of a collection of pus within the brain tissue, known as a brain abscess.
Diagnosis:
• Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will examine the ear and surrounding areas for signs of inflammation, tenderness, or swelling.
• Otoscopy: A handheld instrument called an otoscope is used to examine the inside of the ear canal and eardrum for signs of infection or fluid accumulation.
• Imaging Studies: CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans may be ordered to assess the extent of inflammation and identify any complications, such as abscess formation.
• Laboratory Tests: If there is discharge from the ear, a sample may be collected and sent to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the causative bacteria and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Treatment:
• Antibiotics: The primary treatment for mastoiditis is antibiotics, typically administered intravenously in acute cases or orally in less severe cases. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected or identified causative bacteria and their sensitivity to specific medications.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may be recommended to alleviate ear pain and discomfort.
• Ear Drainage: In some cases, the healthcare provider may need to drain pus or fluid from the middle ear or mastoid air cells to relieve pressure and promote healing.
• Surgery: In severe or recurrent cases of mastoiditis, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue, repair damage to the mastoid bone or surrounding structures, or address complications such as abscess formation or facial nerve compression.
Ayurvedic Treatment:
Some effective procedures for ear pain in Ayurveda are as follows:
• Karnapoorna: It is the procedure of the instillation of the drug in the ear.
• Karna Dhoopan: It involves fumigation of the ear through various ayurvedic medicines for ear pain.
• Pramarjana: It is known as ear cleaning.
• Shirovirechana and dhawana/ Prakshalana: Toileting of ear where the removal of ear wax, discharge, and debris is carried out.
Ayurvedic Medications –
• Laksmi vilasa-rasa– This ayurvedic formulation treats inflammation in the ear. Mix it with honey and consume it.
• Few drops of Bhangra juice mixed with black tulsi poured in the affected ear can provide quick relief.
• Extracting juice of mango leaves or neem leaves and using it as ear drops helps too. These drops are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
• Roast some dry turmeric in mustard oil, strain it and use it as ear drops. Apply a few drops of this oil into your ear and leave it overnight. Pus formation may stop in a fortnight causing improved hearing.
• Five cloves of garlic crushed and boiled in coconut oil and applied as ear drops are another good option for treating ear infection and pain.
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