How To Treat Mastoiditis
Understanding mastoiditis is the first step in learning how to treat this bacterial infection. This condition affects the inner and middle ear areas by infecting the cells in those locations. In that area of the ear is a bone called the mastoid, which is compromised of air cells that protect different areas of the ear. The ear is a very delicate, very precious part of the body and is easily damaged when individuals are not careful. If these cells in this bone become infected, it has a tremendous impact on hearing. Ear infections are the common cause of mastoiditis when they are left untreated. They cause the infection to spread, and this creates enormous potential for more serious health problems.
Use Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotic therapy is the go-to fix for mastoiditis, though it must be prescribed by a medical professional. Unfortunately, this treatment method also includes a stay in the hospital. The doctor who specializes in treating this type of serious ear infection is going to issue antibiotics through an IV for a few days. This is the first step in the antibiotic therapy process. The doctor uses an IV in a vein in the patient's arm, and they monitor the patient's progress closely throughout the day.
There is very little a patient can do during this time, so lots of patience is necessary. When the hospitalization portion of this therapy is complete, the doctor will send the patient home to complete the therapy program with oral antibiotics. It is imperative to take these antibiotics precisely and exactly as the doctor prescribes, as missing even one dose can cause the infection to worsen. This is the most important treatment for mastoiditis, and it might be the one that allows patients to avoid surgery.
Drainage Through A Myringotomy
Doctors often suggest drainage through a myringotomy if antibiotic therapy fails or doesn't resolve the infection entirely. However, this type of surgery is something patients should avoid if they can, which is precisely why it is so important for patients to do what their doctor tells them to increase their chances of treating this infection with medication rather than surgery. If a patient does need surgery, however, a myringotomy requires the doctor to make a small incision on the eardrum.
The incision allows the build-up of fluid inside the eardrum to drain. When it drains, it helps relieve the pressure. This pressure causes tremendous pain in almost anyone with an ear infection, but it is especially painful if it is a child feeling the pain. Doctors might even recommend inserting a small tube into the eardrum to allow future fluids to drain correctly for patients who suffer from frequent ear infections and are at an increased risk for mastoiditis.
