Mastoiditis

Infection that affect the mastoid bone, located behind the ear.

Clinical manifestations

Fever, irritability and lethargy

Swelling of the ear lobe

Redness and tenderness behind the ear

Drainage from the ear

Bulging and drooping of the ear

Complications

Facial paralysis

Labyrinthitis

Hearing loss

Meningitis

Vision changes or headache

Pathophysiology

Excessive drainage from the mastoid cavity traverses through the middle ear and out of the perforated tympanic membrane through into the external auditory canal.

The inflammatory process in the mastoid air cells results in oedema and more exudate, thus increasing the pressure in the bony cavity.

The mastoid air cells have rich supply of blood. in otitis media, infection drains into the mastoid resulting in increased exudate.

Diagnostic studies

CT scan

Check bloods

Treatment

Pharmachotherapy

Analgesia

Antibiotics

Surgery

Mastoidectomy

Tympanoplasty

Photos mastoid

Ear bacterial culture

Causes

Bacterial infections

Nursing diagnosis

Acute pain related to mastoid surgery.

Risk for infection related to mastoidectomy, surgical trauma on the tissue and surrounding structures.

Knowledge deficit of the mastoid disease, surgical procedures and postoperative care and hope.

Nursing management

Monitor vital signs

Assess for changes in lab values

Administer medication as prescribed by the doctor

Assess for complications e.g. hearing loss