Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can One Treat Ear Pain, Fluid In The Mastoid And Bump Behind My Ear?
Question: Hello, I’m currently on my 3rd ENT in town and that’s all we have here. I’ve been having severe recurring ear infections that keep coming back. The first ENT I saw said it was TMJ because by the time I got in to see him, the antibiotic got rid of the infection that time. The 2nd ENT, same thing, but given my extensive history from Urgent Care, he put a tube in my left ear. I tried a third ENT in hopes that he’d actually believe me and the handful of other doctors who’ve treated me for this recurring infection. At one point, my ear drum ruptured and it was confirmed at Urgent Care, but these ENT doctors don’t believe me.
So anyway, the third doctor said there was nothing wrong. I went home and a week or so later, the infection was back and the Urgent Care doctor became really concerned with the left mastoid. It’s been really painful there and he noticed significant swelling.
I finally got a CT from the 3rd ENT. He told me there is fluid in the mastoid but not enough to do anything about it. My ear is protruding from my head and I have a bump behind my ear.
He told me today that since it isn’t draining and my ear isn’t at a 90 degree angle from my head yet, he doesn’t believe it should be causing any pain. He flat out told me that I’m making it up. Several other doctors have mentioned the swelling as well as my family members, but he told me today that he doesn’t feel anything.
I’m about to lose my mind. I don’t know if I should even try another ENT in the next town over. I’ve almost given up. Are there any good ENT doctors out there? Is there any hope of getting better?
So anyway, the third doctor said there was nothing wrong. I went home and a week or so later, the infection was back and the Urgent Care doctor became really concerned with the left mastoid. It’s been really painful there and he noticed significant swelling.
I finally got a CT from the 3rd ENT. He told me there is fluid in the mastoid but not enough to do anything about it. My ear is protruding from my head and I have a bump behind my ear.
He told me today that since it isn’t draining and my ear isn’t at a 90 degree angle from my head yet, he doesn’t believe it should be causing any pain. He flat out told me that I’m making it up. Several other doctors have mentioned the swelling as well as my family members, but he told me today that he doesn’t feel anything.
I’m about to lose my mind. I don’t know if I should even try another ENT in the next town over. I’ve almost given up. Are there any good ENT doctors out there? Is there any hope of getting better?
Brief Answer:
There is no cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. These recurrent infections or collections are fairly common. There is no need to worry about them.
2. The best scenario would have been if a culture test was done when the ear drum had ruptured.
3. The swelling and tenderness that develops behind the ear over the mastoid suggests either recurrent mastoiditis, cellulitis, lymph nodes or a skin condition. Allergy and fungal infection must be ruled out.
4. It would be helpful if you could upload the CT images (not the report). Hearing tests such as a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and a I/A (Impedance Audiogram /Tympanogram) will also help detect fluid in the middle ear.
5. Mild mastoid collections (infections or just fluid collection) will result from failure of adequate ventilation of the middle ear and mastoid cell system (mastoid bone) through the eustachian tube and nose. Hence treatment should be directed at improving eustachian tube function. This will include anti-allergic mucolytics, steroid nasal sprays, steam inhalation and anti-inflammation medication.
6. The mastoid is bone and bone has very poor blood supply. Hence if oral antibiotics and medication is not helpful, intravenous antibiotics and medication usually works better.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
There is no cause for worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
1. These recurrent infections or collections are fairly common. There is no need to worry about them.
2. The best scenario would have been if a culture test was done when the ear drum had ruptured.
3. The swelling and tenderness that develops behind the ear over the mastoid suggests either recurrent mastoiditis, cellulitis, lymph nodes or a skin condition. Allergy and fungal infection must be ruled out.
4. It would be helpful if you could upload the CT images (not the report). Hearing tests such as a PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) and a I/A (Impedance Audiogram /Tympanogram) will also help detect fluid in the middle ear.
5. Mild mastoid collections (infections or just fluid collection) will result from failure of adequate ventilation of the middle ear and mastoid cell system (mastoid bone) through the eustachian tube and nose. Hence treatment should be directed at improving eustachian tube function. This will include anti-allergic mucolytics, steroid nasal sprays, steam inhalation and anti-inflammation medication.
6. The mastoid is bone and bone has very poor blood supply. Hence if oral antibiotics and medication is not helpful, intravenous antibiotics and medication usually works better.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
