Mastoiditis treatment usually consists of a course of antibiotics. Whether you take tablets for a few days or are treated intravenously in hospital under the supervision of specialists, this is the most common way to manage your condition.
Alternatively, surgery may be necessary. The type of procedure can vary and includes a myringotomy, which drains fluid from the middle ear, or – in severe cases – a mastoidectomy, removing part of the infected mastoid bone.
Unfortunately, mastoiditis can develop to the point where it causes significant implications for the patient – therefore, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be overstated. These include:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Blood clots
- A brain abscess
Antibiotics should treat your mastoiditis quickly; in some cases, relief from symptoms can be seen within a few days. Still, it’s important to finish the whole course, even if you’re feeling better.
If you’ve had surgery for mastoiditis, you’ll probably need to take one or two weeks off work – the average recovery time. During recovery, you should avoid getting your ears wet and take painkillers as required.