What does an adult with mastoiditis usually feel?
Dec 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Mastoiditis primarily develops from acute suppurative otitis media. In adults, mastoiditis commonly presents with symptoms such as hearing loss, fever, and tympanic membrane perforation. In addition to these typical symptoms, other manifestations may include ear pain and a significant increase in white blood cells. Patients with mastoiditis should maintain good local hygiene, make efforts to prevent infection, and seek timely medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment at a hospital.
Adult mastoiditis is usually associated with symptoms such as hearing loss, fever, and tympanic membrane perforation.
1. Hearing Loss
Mastoiditis typically develops from acute suppurative otitis media, which can impair normal hearing. Patients may also experience chills, general malaise, and fatigue. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation for pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry to determine the exact degree of hearing loss. Under a doctor's guidance, treatments may include intravenous amoxicillin or azithromycin. A skin test should be performed before starting medication to prevent possible allergic reactions.
2. Fever
Mastoiditis results from inflammatory infection and may cause fever, along with sensations of ear warmth and redness of the skin and mucous membranes. Under medical supervision, antibiotics such as cefaclor tablets or amoxicillin tablets can be prescribed to help control the infection and relieve symptoms.
3. Tympanic Membrane Perforation
In patients with mastoiditis, the inner ear often accumulates thick secretions that block the ear canal, increasing pressure within the ear. Combined with repeated irritation from secretions and inflammation, this may lead to perforation of the eardrum, potentially resulting in conductive hearing loss in severe cases. Under medical guidance, purulent secretions should be cleared; in more serious cases, surgical intervention may be required.
In addition to the above common symptoms, other manifestations such as ear pain and significantly elevated white blood cell count may occur. Patients with mastoiditis should maintain good local hygiene and avoid secondary infections. Prompt medical examination, diagnosis, and treatment are essential.
