What causes redness, swelling, pain, and fever behind the ear, and what should be done about it?

Redness, swelling, pain, and fever behind the ear may be related to conditions such as posterior auricular lymphadenitis, mumps, or mastoiditis, and can be treated through daily care, medication, and other interventions. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Posterior Auricular Lymphadenitis

Posterior auricular lymphadenitis is usually caused by infection. When pathogens enter the lymph nodes, lymphocytes and macrophages release inflammatory mediators, causing inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes, leading to redness, swelling, and pain behind the ear. Patients may take medications such as roxithromycin capsules or cephalexin capsules under medical guidance.

2. Mumps

Mumps is a viral disease caused by the mumps virus, which can lead to inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissues. Patients may take antiviral medications such as ribavirin tablets or oseltamivir phosphate capsules as directed by a physician. During treatment, patients should consume liquid or soft foods and avoid acidic foods to prevent worsening of symptoms.

3. Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection commonly occurring as a complication of otitis media. When infectious pathogens enter the mastoid process, inflammatory cells in the mastoid release inflammatory mediators, resulting in inflammation and swelling of the mastoid, thereby causing discomfort behind the ear. Patients may be prescribed antibiotic medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets or penicillin V potassium tablets to improve local drainage and relieve symptoms.

In addition to the above common causes, redness and swelling behind the ear may also be associated with external otitis or perichondritis. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.