What is a common symptom of mastoiditis?

One of the hallmark symptoms of mastoiditis is tender swelling behind the ear. This occurs due to the inflammation of the mastoid process, which is located just behind the ear. As the infection spreads from the middle ear to the mastoid bone, the area can become swollen and painful, often leading to noticeable tenderness upon palpation. This physical manifestation is typically accompanied by signs of infection, which can include redness and increased warmth in the area.

While other symptoms like pain in the ear, discharge from the ear, and fever above 38°C can also present in cases of mastoiditis, they are not as specific for the condition as the tender swelling behind the ear. The presence of swelling localized to the mastoid region is a key indicator that helps in diagnosing mastoiditis and differentiating it from other ear infections. This specificity is vital in guiding appropriate medical evaluation and management.