Mastoiditis, Pediatric
Mastoiditis is an infection that affects the bony area of the skull behind your child's ears (mastoid process).
CAUSES
Mastoiditis is caused by bacteria. It may also be a complication of a middle ear infection.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for mastoiditis include:
• Age. Mastoiditis is most common in younger children, usually under the age of 2.
• Having multiple ear infections with constaint drainage.
• Having a weakened defense (immune) system.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of mastoiditis may include:
• Pain, redness, and swelling behind your child's ear.
• Fever.
• Redness and swelling of your child's ear lobe or ear.
• Drainage from your child's ear.
• Headache.
• Hearing problems.
…show more content…
• Cultures of ear drainage.
• X-rays.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on how serious the infection is. It may include hospitalization. Treatment may include:
• Antibiotics. These may be given by orally. They may also be given through a vein (intravenously).
• Surgery, such as:
○ A procedure (myringotomy) to relieve the pressure from the middle ear.
○ A procedure (mastoidectomy) to remove the infected tissue from the mastoid process.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Give your child antibiotic medicine as directed by the health care provider. Have your child finish the antibiotic even if he or she starts to feel better.
• Give medicines only as directed by your child's health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your child's health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child develops a new headache or ear or facial pain.
• Your child develops hearing loss.
• Your child is nauseous or vomits.
• Your child has a rash.
• Your child has diarrhea.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child develops a severe headache or ear or facial pain.
• Your child has sudden hearing