Acute mastoiditis is typically initially treated with which intervention?

Acute mastoiditis is typically initially treated with which intervention?

• A. Watchful waiting
• B. Antibiotics alone
• C. Myringotomy with tympanostomy
• D. Mastoidectomy

Answer: (C)

Acute mastoiditis arises when infection from the middle ear extends into the mastoid air cells, and the priority is to relieve middle ear drainage and enable antibiotic delivery to the infected site. A myringotomy with tympanostomy creates an immediate drainage pathway from the middle ear and ventilates the space, which rapidly reduces pressure, clears purulent material, and allows antibiotics to reach the infection more effectively. This approach addresses the source of infection directly and helps prevent progression to abscess or intracranial complications. Antibiotics alone may not provide adequate penetration into the mastoid air cell system, and watchful waiting risks deterioration. Mastoidectomy is reserved for cases that do not respond to medical management or for complications, not as the initial step.

Acute mastoiditis arises when infection from the middle ear extends into the mastoid air cells, and the priority is to relieve middle ear drainage and enable antibiotic delivery to the infected site. A myringotomy with tympanostomy creates an immediate drainage pathway from the middle ear and ventilates the space, which rapidly reduces pressure, clears purulent material, and allows antibiotics to reach the infection more effectively. This approach addresses the source of infection directly and helps prevent progression to abscess or intracranial complications. Antibiotics alone may not provide adequate penetration into the mastoid air cell system, and watchful waiting risks deterioration. Mastoidectomy is reserved for cases that do not respond to medical management or for complications, not as the initial step.