Mastoiditis, also known as mastocytosis, is an inflammation of the mastoid tissue on the inner ear.
Mastoiditis can be a chronic condition or it can occur at any time. Mastoiditis can affect any person at any time.
Mastoiditis results from irritation of the mastoidal tissue by bacteria, fungus or virus. Mastoiditis can occur on one or both sides of the head. It is more commonly found in infants. If left untreated, mastoiditis can lead to loss of hearing or permanent damage to the inner ear.
Two primary causes of this condition are prolonged exposure to loud noise and an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, pet dander or certain foods.
Mastoiditis that is caused by infection has a tendency to last longer than other forms of mastitis. Most people with mastitis heal quickly and have little or no complications, even if the condition is initially diagnosed and treated rapidly.
When mastitis is caught early and the symptoms properly managed, the likelihood of permanent hearing loss is significantly reduced. Medications used in treating the symptoms, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed for additional relief. Treatment may also include surgical excision or drainage of the affected area.
Since mastitis is more likely to result in permanent hearing loss, the proper care and management are critical. For example, wearing protective ear muffs while playing outdoor sports can help reduce the severity of the problem and help prevent permanent hearing loss. This may be especially important for children.
It is important to avoid long periods of standing or sitting on hard surfaces, since this puts excessive stress on the inner ear, especially in adults.
It is also important not to wear earplugs in noisy environments, since they provide some protection against sound, but do not completely block it out.
There are several natural remedies that can be used in the treatment of mastoids. The use of salt water and vinegar baths, combined with regular cleansing, have proven effective in reducing inflammation and healing the infection.
Some types of food, such as garlic and onions, may also be helpful in reducing the symptoms and preventing permanent hearing loss. Also, if a baby is suffering from mastoiditis, it may be beneficial to gently massage the area to relieve the pain and ease the inflammation and the discomfort.
There may also be some underlying physical causes of mastoids. In these cases, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your physician. If your physician is unable to determine what the source of your symptoms is, he or she may recommend that you try a combination of treatments. These may include an antibiotic, a nasal spray, or even surgery.
You should also make an appointment with your family doctor.
Your doctor may be able to tell you whether your mastoiditis is caused by something as simple as a buildup of fluid in the throat. This may be cleared up with simple over-the-counter medications.
Another possibility for your condition is a tumor or a condition of the kidney. If a tumor is present, it is possible for surgery to remove it. This can lead to permanent hearing loss, but it is also possible for the affected person to lose his or her sense of smell and taste due to damage to the eustachian tube that supplies oxygen to the brain.
A visit to the dentist may also be necessary. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, especially if you are a smoker.
It is a good idea to maintain regular brushing of the teeth, as well as flossing and taking a daily multivitamin supplement, in order to keep the mouth free of bacteria. It is also important to use good oral hygiene by regularly cleaning and disinfecting your teeth at least twice a day.