Mastoiditis, Worried.....

My hears have hurt for about four days now and feel wet inside but nothing really comes out. For around three months I have had a lump behind my ear that I thought was a swollen lymph node, it is behind the ear that hurts less weird enough. My neck is also sore and my head hurts. Today I figured I must have an ear infection and went to the ER since I don't have any insurance and I can never manage to get in the free clinic around here. The doctor looked in my ears and said they didn't look infected but my throat was a little red. He felt my neck and said I probably have mastoiditis but I would need a CAT scan, which I can't afford, to confirm it. I was prescribed Amoxicillin, four a day for ten days. Hopefully that will clear it up, I am just really worried because apparently what I have can be serious. Its also rare in adults so I don't know why I got it, I don't remember having an ear infection recently which could have caused it. Will I be okay? I'm kind of freaked out about the whole situation, the fact that I have panic disorder doesn't help but maybe I'm making too big a deal of it.

[OHNS2010]

Hi,

There are symptoms in you suggestive of mastoiditis. Your feeling of ear fullness is because of eustachian tube blockage. A swelling behind the ear can be a lymph node secondary to scalp or skin infection. Regarding the sore throat, drink plenty of warm water, do gargles with povidone iodine (1:1 dilution). Avoid chilled and oily food for few days. Do steam inhalations 2 - 3 times/day for few days.

Do not worry, no need of CAT scan. Keep informed, we will try to help you out.

Regards
OHNS2010

[OHNS2010]

Hi,

Please do continue the antibiotics along with the medications I suggested. All the Best.

Regards
OHNS2010