Otitis, Mastoiditis

- development of purulent inflammation, formation of purulent exudate (acute purulent otitis media); Stage III - rupture of the eardrum with the release of purulent exudate into the external environment (acute perforated otitis media).

Mastoiditis is a complication of acute otitis media, in which the inflammatory process spreads to the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Mastoiditis can be acute or chronic. Acute mastoiditis is manifested by severe pain in the ear, headache, fever, swelling and redness of the skin behind the ear, as well as purulent discharge from the ear.

Chronic mastoiditis manifests itself less clearly, but lasts for a long time. In this case, the inflammatory process can lead to destruction of the auditory ossicles, hearing impairment, and even the development of meningitis or purulent cerebral inflammation.

To diagnose otitis and mastoiditis, otoscopy and computed tomography of the temporal bone are used. Treatment depends on the form and stage of the disease, but usually includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, as well as physical therapy and surgery (if necessary, opening an abscess or removing affected tissue).

Overall, otitis media and mastoiditis are serious ear diseases that can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly and adequately. Therefore, if symptoms of ear inflammation appear, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.