What is Mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is an inflammation within the mastoid bone, which is the bone immediately behind the ear. Mastoiditis is usually caused by an infection. Inflammation that starts in the mastoid itself is quite rare. Mastoiditis is almost always caused by an infection in the middle ear, which is behind the eardrum. Because the mastoid is close to the middle ear, it is easy for middle ear infections, such as acute otitis media, to spread to the mastoid. Chronic or long-lasting mastoiditis lasts for… More information...