Symptoms of chronic otomastoiditis

Dec 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Jiang Weimin

Introduction

Ear pain. Patients with chronic mastoiditis may experience ear pain in the early stages. The pain is primarily characterized by a pulsating and stabbing sensation. There is discharge from the ear canal. After chronic mastoiditis develops, the ear may exhibit symptoms of pus drainage, which can be intermittent or continuous, with varying amounts of pus. If the patient has an outer ear canal infection, the pus discharge increases. Hearing loss.

Chronic otomastoiditis is a relatively common condition in daily life. If not properly treated, it may lead to pus formation in otitis media. What are the symptoms of chronic otomastoiditis?

Symptoms of Chronic Otomastoiditis

Ear pain. In the early stages, patients with chronic mastoiditis may experience ear pain, typically characterized by throbbing or stabbing sensations. Discharge from the ear canal. After the onset of chronic mastoiditis, the ear may produce pus, which can be intermittent or continuous, with varying amounts. Pus discharge increases if the patient also has an external auditory canal infection. Hearing loss. This is one of the most common symptoms of chronic otitis media, and the degree of hearing impairment is closely related to the size and location of tympanic membrane perforation.

Tinnitus. If chronic otitis media is not treated promptly, it may damage the inner ear, eventually leading to tinnitus. Systemic symptoms. As is well known, chronic otitis media is caused by inflammation, and in later stages, systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise may appear.

The symptoms of chronic otomastoiditis are quite noticeable. Patients should closely monitor changes in their body and seek medical examination promptly if any abnormalities occur. Diagnosis can be confirmed through mastoid X-ray imaging. Once diagnosed, patients should actively cooperate with their doctors for treatment. Chronic otomastoiditis significantly affects patients' daily lives and work, so it's important to understand its symptoms for early detection and timely treatment. Moreover, due to the high recurrence rate of chronic otomastoiditis, preventive measures should be taken even after recovery. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.

View All

Is surgery required for chronic otomastoiditis?

Chronic otomastoiditis requires surgical intervention to be determined based on both disease duration and severity. For acute infection, the primary goals are to control the infection, reduce local inflammatory response, and promote ventilation and drainage of the middle ear. Typically, after resolution of inflammation, tympanic membrane perforations gradually heal, and middle ear inflammation is effectively controlled. However, if intracranial or extracranial complications develop, surgical intervention becomes necessary.