MASTOIDITIS EXTERNA Meaning and
Definition
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Mastoiditis externa is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of the external portion of the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone is a bony prominence located behind the ear, which houses several air cells connected to the middle ear. Mastoiditis externa typically occurs as a complication of a middle ear infection, usually due to a bacterial infection, such as the bacteria that commonly cause acute otitis media.
The condition is characterized by pain, tenderness, and swelling behind the ear. Other symptoms may include redness of the skin, discharge from the ear, and fever. Mastoiditis externa can also cause decreased hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness.
If left untreated, mastoiditis externa can lead to serious complications. The infection can spread to nearby structures, such as the inner ear or the brain, resulting in meningitis, brain abscess, or other life-threatening conditions.
Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy to eliminate the infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain any accumulated pus or fluid from the mastoid air cells. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to control discomfort.
Prevention of mastoiditis externa involves prompt treatment of middle ear infections with antibiotics and adequate hygiene and care of the ears to prevent the spread of infection to the mastoid bone.
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Inflammation of the periosteum of the mastoid process.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTOIDITIS EXTERNA
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- mastoid itis externa
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- mastoiditis extern a
Etymology of MASTOIDITIS EXTERNA
The word mastoiditis externa has Latin and Greek roots.
The term mastoiditis comes from the Latin word mastoides, which means resembling a breast. This is because the mastoid process, located behind the ear, is said to resemble the shape of a breast. Itis is a suffix in Latin that denotes inflammation, so mastoiditis refers to the inflammation of the mastoid process, which is usually caused by a bacterial infection spreading from the middle ear.
The word externa comes from the Latin word externus, meaning outer or external. In the context of mastoiditis externa, it signifies that the inflammation is occurring externally or outside of the mastoid process.
Therefore, the term mastoiditis externa can be translated as external inflammation of the mastoid process.
