Mastoiditis treatment and antibiotics

The mastoid is the bone behind the ear. Infection there may follow a middle-ear infection and can cause worsening ear pain, fever, discharge, swelling, or redness behind the ear. The outer ear may appear pushed forwards. Because infection can spread to nearby tissues, clinicians may examine the ear, check hearing and neurological signs, and arrange scans or specialist review when needed.

Do not wait for home treatment if mastoiditis is suspected. Go to an emergency service or follow an urgent referral. Antibiotics may first be given through a vein, with the medicine chosen according to the likely bacteria, allergies, and test results. Ear drainage or surgery may be needed if infection does not respond, an abscess forms, or infected tissue must be cleared. Complete the treatment plan and attend follow-up.

Seek emergency help for swelling or tenderness behind the ear, a protruding ear, severe headache, neck stiffness, repeated vomiting, confusion, facial weakness, or new hearing loss. A child who is unusually sleepy, difficult to settle, or drinking poorly also needs immediate assessment. These signs require urgent examination even if an ear infection was recently treated.

Ask which findings support mastoiditis, whether hospital admission or intravenous antibiotics are needed, what tests are planned, and which changes should trigger an immediate return.