Acute Mastoiditis

Acute mastoiditis is infection of the mastoid air cells, a complication of acute otitis media, presenting with postauricular pain/swelling, protrusion of the pinna, fever, and otorrhea. It can extend intracranially. Treatment: hospitalize; intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics; myringotomy (± grommet); cortical mastoidectomy if subperiosteal abscess or poor response; monitor for intracranial complications.

Common Symptoms

Postauricular pain/swelling; protruding pinna; fever; otorrhea; complication of AOM

Causes and Pathogenesis

Spread of middle-ear infection into mastoid air cells causes osteitis/abscess.

Treatment

IV antibiotics; myringotomy; cortical mastoidectomy if abscess/poor response; monitor intracranial spread

Preventive Measures

Treat AOM promptly; monitor otitis complications.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.