Mastoiditis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Cost

The mastoid bone, which is found behind the ear, is impacted by the bacterial illness known as Mastoiditis. The mastoid bone is an important structure that helps to protect the inner ear and improve hearing.

There are two main types of Mastoiditis:

• Acute Mastoiditis: This is the most common type of Mastoiditis and usually develops as a complication of a middle ear infection.
• Chronic Mastoiditis: This is a long-term infection of the mastoid bone that often results from untreated acute Mastoiditis.

Here are some factors that can contribute to the development of Mastoiditis:

• Untreated middle ear infections: Mastoiditis is most commonly caused by untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infections. Bacteria can spread from the middle ear to the mastoid bone, leading to infection.
• Complications of ear surgery: Mastoiditis can also occur as a complication of ear surgery, such as a mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty.
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing Mastoiditis. This includes people with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and leukemia.
• Age: Mastoiditis is more common in children than in adults. This is because children have a higher risk of developing middle ear infections, and their mastoid bones are not fully developed, making it easier for infections to spread.

Symptoms of Mastoiditis may include:

• Ear pain or discomfort, especially behind the ear
• Redness or swelling behind the ear
• Fever
• Headache
• Draining ear fluid
• Hearing loss or ringing in the affected ear
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Stiffness in the neck or face

There are several methods by which we can prevent Mastoiditis:

• Proper hygiene: Promote good hygiene and hand washing techniques to stop the transmission of illnesses.
• Vaccinations: Immunizations help to prevent ear infections and complications such as Mastoiditis. Make sure to keep up-to-date with routine vaccines and flu shots.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants: Avoid places with a high level of air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke or other harmful toxins.
• Promptly treat ear infections: If you or your kid exhibits signs of an ear infection, such as ear discomfort, fever, or ear leakage, you should see a doctor. If ordered, follow the doctor's recommendations and finish the whole course of antibiotics.
• Manage allergies: Ear infections may also be caused by allergies. Manage allergies through regular allergy testing, avoidance of allergens, and appropriate medication.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

To diagnose Mastoiditis, a healthcare provider will typically start with a physical examination and medical history. Additional tests that may be used to diagnose Mastoiditis include:

• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to look for signs of inflammation or infection in the mastoid bone.
• Ear culture: A sample of discharge from the ear may be taken and sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check for signs of infection, such as an elevated white blood cell count.
• Hearing tests: A hearing test may be performed to assess any hearing loss or changes in hearing.

Mastoiditis is a serious condition that can lead to complications, particularly if left untreated. Some of the possible complications of Mastoiditis include:

• Hearing loss: Mastoiditis can damage the delicate structures of the ear, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Meningitis: In some cases, the infection can spread from the mastoid bone to the lining of the brain, leading to meningitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Brain abscess: Mastoiditis can also lead to the formation of a brain abscess, a collection of pus in the brain that can cause seizures, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.
• Facial nerve paralysis: The facial nerve, which controls movement in the muscles of the face, passes through the mastoid bone. In some cases, Mastoiditis can cause inflammation or damage to this nerve, leading to facial weakness or paralysis.
• Septicemia: Mastoiditis can sometimes lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body.

Here are some home remedies for Mastoiditis:

• Ayurvedic herbs like Echinacea, Indian gooseberry, and goldenseal can help in managing the symptoms of Mastoiditis.
• An ayurvedic treatment called Nasya can be beneficial in relieving congestion and sinusitis.
• Guggulu resin, which is well-known for having anti-inflammatory qualities, may also aid in lowering Mastoiditis-related inflammation and suffering.
• Warm compresses may be used to ease pain and inflammation in the afflicted region.
• Drinking warm fluids like tea and soup can help in relieving congestion and other symptoms of Mastoiditis.
• Using a humidifier in the room can also help in easing congestion and reduce inflammation.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help in reducing pain and fever caused by Mastoiditis.
• Resting and avoiding strenuous activities can also help in promoting faster healing.

Here is the suggested diet for people suffering from Mastoiditis:

• You can consume soft, readily absorbed meals like soup, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and fruits.
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and whole grains can help boost the immune system.
• Lean proteins may provide essential nutrients without being too heaving on the stomach, including chicken, fish, and tofu.
• Dairy products may need to be avoided or consumed in moderation since they might worsen congestion and produce more mucus.

The prohibited food which should not be eaten in Mastoiditis is:

• Spicy and highly seasoned foods: The consumption of spicy foods can further irritate the inflamed mastoid air cells and increase inflammation leading to pain and discomfort.
• Dairy products: Dairy products contain lactose, which can increase mucus production and aggravate Mastoiditis symptoms.
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates: Sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation and impair the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections.
• Fried and fatty foods: Consuming fried and fatty foods can worsen inflammation and pain associated with Mastoiditis.
• Alcohol and caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body, making it difficult to fight off infections and worsening inflammation.
• Solid foods: Chewy, tough, or hard-to-digest solid food can cause further pain to the ear due to mastoid inflammation.

Treatment for Mastoiditis is given below:

• Antibiotics: The main treatment for Mastoiditis is a course of antibiotics to fight off the bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of the illness and the patient's age, the kind and length of antibiotics may change.
• Ear drops: Ear drops may be prescribed to help reduce ear pain and inflammation associated with Mastoiditis. These drops may contain a combination of antibiotics and steroids.
• Pain relief: It could be advised to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort brought on by Mastoiditis.
• Surgery: Surgery could be required for Mastoiditis if the infection is severe or if medications are ineffective. The procedure could include removing a portion of the mastoid bone or draining the diseased fluid from the middle ear.

A middle ear infection often causes the mastoid bone in the skull to become infected and inflamed, a disease known as Mastoiditis. A specialist in the diagnosis and management of this ailment, such as an otolaryngologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician, should be consulted.

Various kinds of medicines that are provided in the treatment of Mastoiditis are given below:

• Antibiotics: Mastoiditis is often caused by a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are commonly used to treat this disease. Various types of antibiotics are available, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins.
• Analgesics: Mastoiditis can cause severe pain due to inflammation of the mastoid bone. Analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and discomfort.
• Decongestants: Mastoiditis sometimes co-occurs with upper respiratory tract infections or sinusitis. Decongestants that ease nasal congestion and reduce inflammation include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
• Steroids: When the edema and inflammation in the mastoid bone are significant, corticosteroids may be administered.
• Surgery: A surgery to drain the abscess and remove any contaminated tissue may be necessary if the abscess in the mastoid bone is big or produces significant symptoms. This is often done in combination with antibiotic therapy.
• Pain management: In some cases, managing the pain associated with Mastoiditis may require more specialised interventions, such as nerve blocks or other pain management techniques.

Depending on the severity of the illness and the patient's reaction to therapy, the time it takes to recover from Mastoiditis might vary. In general, it may take several weeks to a few months for the infection to completely resolve.

The results of surgery for Mastoiditis may be permanent if the infection is fully treated and the underlying cause of the condition is also resolved. However, in some cases, there may be a need for further treatment or follow-up care to maintain the results of the surgery and prevent the recurrence of the infection.

Various kinds of medicines that are provided in the treatment of Mastoiditis are given below:

• Antibiotics: Mastoiditis is often caused by a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are commonly used to treat this disease. Various types of antibiotics are available, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins.
• Analgesics: Mastoiditis can cause severe pain due to inflammation of the mastoid bone. Analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and discomfort.
• Decongestants: Mastoiditis sometimes co-occurs with upper respiratory tract infections or sinusitis. Decongestants that ease nasal congestion and reduce inflammation include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
• Steroids: When the edema and inflammation in the mastoid bone are significant, corticosteroids may be administered.
• Surgery: A surgery to drain the abscess and remove any contaminated tissue may be necessary if the abscess in the mastoid bone is big or produces significant symptoms. This is often done in combination with antibiotic therapy.
• Pain management: In some cases, managing the pain associated with Mastoiditis may require more specialised interventions, such as nerve blocks or other pain management techniques.

The cost of Mastoiditis treatments in India can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the type of treatment required, the location of the hospital or clinic, and other factors. Here are some estimated costs for Mastoiditis treatments in India:

• Antibiotic treatment: For mild cases of Mastoiditis, patients may only require antibiotics, which can cost around ₹500-₹1000 for a course of treatment.
• Surgery: The diseased mastoid bone may need to be removed surgically in more serious situations. The cost of Mastoidectomy surgery in India can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the hospital or clinic and the experience of the surgeon.

The following are the adverse effects of Mastoiditis that are most often reported:

• The first symptom is usually ear pain, which can be severe and persistent.
• As the infection progresses, other symptoms may develop, such as redness and swelling behind the ear, fevers, and headaches.
• If the infection is not treated, it may spread to other organs, including the brain, and result in life-threatening consequences including meningitis or a brain abscess.
• Mastoiditis may harm the sensitive ear structures, which might result in hearing loss. Rarely, an infection may spread to neighbouring nerves and paralyse the face.
• Antibiotics are often used to treat Mastoiditis to clear the infection, and in more serious instances, surgery may be required to empty any abscesses or remove damaged tissue.
• With prompt treatment, Mastoiditis can usually be cured without any lasting side effects, but if left unchecked, it can cause serious complications and even be life-threatening.