{"id":181,"date":"2019-06-14T13:27:37","date_gmt":"2019-06-14T17:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entofathens.fm1.dev\/ear\/mastoid-surgery\/"},"modified":"2020-08-05T18:37:34","modified_gmt":"2020-08-05T22:37:34","slug":"mastoid-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.entofathens.com\/ent\/ear\/mastoid-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastoid Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In addition to pain and discomfort, a middle ear infection can cause tiny air cells in the mastoid bone to fill up with pus. As the infection spreads, potentially reaching the brain, the bone is destroyed, resulting in hearing loss. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in clearing up the infection, then mastoid surgery may be needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The medical term for infection of the mastoid cells is mastoiditis. The condition affects children more often than adults since they are most prone to middle ear infections, but can strike adults on occasion. Bacteria migrate from the middle ear to the air cells of the mastoid bone, which are essential for proper drainage of fluid. Cholesteatoma, a type of skin cyst, can also prevent the ear from draining properly leading to mastoiditis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling, redness, and tenderness of the ear lobe and area behind the ear as well as drainage of fluids from the ear, fever, irritability and lethargy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mastoiditis can cause serious \u2013 even life-threatening \u2013 health complications if untreated, so proper diagnosis is a crucial first step toward recovery. Our doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope, looking for signs of infection. Diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be administered to help rule out other conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many cases of mastoiditis are treated successfully with antibiotics. Chronic cases may require frequent visits for thorough ear cleanings. When antibiotics fail to treat the problem adequately, or it recurs frequently, surgery may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n