How Do You Spell OTITIS MASTOIDEA?

1. Otitis mastoidea is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the mastoid process, a bone located behind the ear that is a part of the temporal bone. This condition typically occurs as a complication of unresolved or improperly treated middle ear infections, known as otitis media.

   During otitis media, bacteria or viruses can invade the middle ear, causing fluid buildup and pressure changes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the mastoid process through small channels connecting the middle ear to the mastoid air cells. This leads to the development of otitis mastoidea.

   Symptoms of otitis mastoidea may include severe ear pain, swelling and tenderness behind the ear, discharge from the ear, hearing loss, fever, headache, and general malaise. The infection can also cause redness and protrusion of the earlobe.

   Treatment for otitis mastoidea generally involves a course of antibiotics to address the underlying bacterial infection. In some cases, a surgical procedure called mastoidectomy may be necessary to drain the infected mastoid air cells and remove any diseased tissue.

   If left untreated, otitis mastoidea can result in serious complications, such as the spread of infection to nearby structures like the brain or the formation of an abscess in the mastoid process. Therefore, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms of otitis mastoidea are present.

2. Mastoidal antritis, inflammation of the mastoid antrum and cells.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OTITIS MASTOIDEA

The word "otitis mastoidea" refers to a condition of inflammation or infection in the mastoid bone behind the ear, which is often a complication of otitis media (ear infection).

The term "otitis" comes from the Greek word "ōt-, ōtós", meaning "ear", and the suffix "-itis", denoting inflammation. "Mastoidea" is derived from the Greek word "mastos", meaning "breast", and the suffix "-oid", indicating resemblance or likeness. This is because the mastoid bone, located behind the ear, has a shape that resembles a breast.

Therefore, the etymology of "otitis mastoidea" could be summarized as: otitis (Greek: ear) + mastoidea (Greek: resembling a breast).