ear, nose, and throat disorders
Mastoiditis
Treatment of Mastoiditis
Antibiotics by vein or mouth Sometimes, surgery Most people with mastoiditis are immediately given an antibiotic (such asceftriaxoneorvancomycin) by vein. People who are not seriously ill may instead be given a fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such asciprofloxacin) by mouth. After this initial treatment, doctors use the results of the laboratory culture to determine the best antibiotic to use. Antibiotics may be given by mouth once the person starts to recover and are also continued for at least 2 weeks. If an abscess has formed in the bone or if infection and inflammation become chronic, surgical removal of the infected part of the bone (mastoidectomy) and corrective surgery are required. If the abscess does not drain, a tympanostomy tube is placed so that the infected fluid can drain out of the middle ear. Then people are treated with fluoroquinolone antibiotic ear drops for 2 to 3 weeks. People are also instructed to place a cotton ball lathered with petroleum jelly in the ear when they take a bath or shower to prevent water from getting in the ear. Swimming should be avoided. 