Quick read
Key points
- 1
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear, usually developing as a complication of an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection. It causes swelling, redness, and pain behind the ear, often alongside fever and worsening ear symptoms.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
You notice swelling, redness, or pain behind the ear, especially with a history of ear infection
01 · Know
What is Mastoiditis?
Mastoiditis is a rare but serious infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear, usually developing as a complication of an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection. It causes swelling, redness, and pain behind the ear, often alongside fever and worsening ear symptoms.
Mastoiditis needs prompt medical treatment, usually with antibiotics, and sometimes surgery if the infection is severe or not responding to antibiotics alone. Prompt treatment of ear infections helps prevent this complication from developing.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It typically develops from an inadequately treated ear infection
Mastoiditis usually follows a middle ear infection that hasn't been fully treated or has been particularly severe, which is why completing prescribed antibiotic courses for ear infections and seeking review if symptoms aren't improving is important.
03 · Act
When to Seek Care
- 1You notice swelling, redness, or pain behind the ear, especially with a history of ear infection
- 2Ear infection symptoms are worsening rather than improving with treatment
- 3You have fever alongside these symptoms
- 4The ear appears pushed forward, which needs urgent assessment
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
This Requires Prompt Medical Treatment, Not Home Care
Mastoiditis needs prompt antibiotic treatment, and sometimes surgery, from a medical team — this isn't a condition to manage with home remedies.
- 1Seek prompt medical assessment for suspected symptoms.Early treatment prevents the infection from causing more serious complications.
- 2Complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics.This is essential for fully clearing the infection.
- 3Treat ear infections promptly and completely.This is the best way to prevent mastoiditis from developing in the first place.
- 4Seek follow-up review if ear infection symptoms don't improve.This helps catch mastoiditis early if it does develop.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Mastoiditis ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Mastoiditis is rare but serious, needing prompt medical treatment, and is best prevented by fully treating ear infections.
Swelling or redness behind the ear, especially with fever, needs urgent medical assessment.