Mastoiditis?

[EllaF1410]

Hey, Has anyone had experience with mastoiditis?

My 3 year old has a stinking cold, and has a slight cough, and its generally out of sorts.

I've just noticed that her right ear has a red patch behind it, and also is slightly sticking out.

Would it be worth seeing a dr? She's not complained of earache or anything, but her ears do look waxy.

Thank you in advance.

Looks like the same symptoms my daughter had. Although hers followed a treatment of antibiotics for an initial ear infection.

It was definitely and obviously stuck out which is one of the first reasons gp referred her to hosp.

Mastoiditis can need heavy duty antibiotics v quickly, so I’d be on to 111/OOH/A&E if necessary. This is definitely something worth chasing up at A&E if you can’t get hold of any other route to be seen quickly.

Another one who says hospital.

My DD was suspected with this and had to have IV antibiotics in hospital. It can be a very serious infection and needs treatment.

Yes, that could potentially be mastoiditis. If not done so already please take her to be seen. This would be suitable for A&E if nowhere else is available

You need urgent medical attention if you suspect this like pp’s have said. It can be very dangerous if not treated quickly.

Adding to the voices of urgency here. My friend's DD ended up having emergency surgery for mastoiditis because the GP didn't see her in person and prescribed antibiotics for a suspected ear infection which were not strong enough. So, while she was taking wholly ineffective antibiotics, the mastoiditis was getting worse instead of better. A proper examination would have spotted the problem right away.

Hope your DD will be well again soon

Yes just to add to my post upthread, no healthcare professional would think you unreasonable for having this checked out at A&E for a child - so I’d move as quickly as you can, OP. Hopefully it will be something minor after all, but you need to be sure.

Oh and please do update us if you can OP - hoping your DD is well again soon!

Thank you all for your replies.

I managed to get in the GP within a few hours of posting this.

Sod's Law by the time I saw the GP, all the redness and swelling has settled down.

He did look in her ear, and say that he didn't see any infection.

However, with your comments and experiences I will be keeping a very very close eye on her!

Thank you all so much xx

That’s great - so glad you got checked out and that she seems fine! Best not to take any chances with a child so young. Hope she recovers from her virus quickly.

Yes 100% you are right.

Currently up with her as she has a very high temp, and shivering. Which I always hate as she does have febrile seizures. She's complaining of a sore throat and tummy ache, so wondering if a sore throat was what caused the problem with her ear earlier on today!

Roll on morning time! X

Glad all is well @EllaF1410!