Mastoiditis in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Mastoiditis (say "mass-toy-DY-tus) is an infection that affects the bone behind the ear. It can occur after your child has an ear infection. Sometimes an ear infection can spread to areas outside of the ear. This can cause new problems, like mastoiditis.

The swelling behind your child's ear can push the ear forward. As the swelling goes away, the ear will move back to its normal place.

Antibiotics are the most common treatment for mastoiditis. If the antibiotics don't work, your child may need ear tubes put in their ears to help drain fluid over time.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
  • Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Be careful if you are giving your child over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not giving your child more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Give your child antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Place a warm, moist washcloth on your child's ear to help relieve pain.
• Ask your doctor if your child needs to take extra care to keep water from getting in the ears when bathing or swimming.