Treatment

How is it treated?

The mainstay of treatment is by the use of an effective antibiotic that may need to be given by injection or intravenous infusion. An antibiotic that normally would cover the common bacteria that cause the condition is chosen initially with a more specific preparation being introduced as necessary when bacterial sensitivity has been established. Most cases will resolve with appropriate antibiotic treatment but acute mastoiditis may need emergency surgical intervention.

Mastoidectomy

The operation of mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove material from the mastoid bone to clear infection and prevent further damage to the hearing apparatus. It is also used to remove surplus granulation tissue and cholesteatoma from the mastoid antrum of middle ear cavity. Emergency mastoidectomy has now become less common since the availability of effective antibiotics but the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria may change this situation.

Chronic mastoiditis may also be amenable to antibiotic treatment but ineffective treatment, poor response to treatment or development of cholesteatoma may necessitate mastoidectomy at a later stage.