Some Actions to Take for Recurring Ear Infections

Recurring ear infections can be painful and frustrating for children and their parents. Ear infections are the most common reason for acute pediatric visits in the United States. While ear infections are not generally life threatening, they are often chronic, and can require extensive antibiotic or surgical treatment.
Resent research has been conducted on supplementation with a multivitamin-mineral supplement together with cod-liver oil. The results showed a 72% reduction in childhood ear infections. Prior to the beginning of this clinical trial, the authors studied the nutrient concentrations in the blood of children with chronic ear infections. They found lower concentrations of vitamin A, selenium, and a fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in children with ear infections when compared to a population of healthy adults. Those findings led the researchers to use cod-liver oil (a source of concentrated EPA) and a multiple vitamin-mineral as the treatment protocol.

There have also been numerous studies that have proven ear infections can be reduced up to 86% by eliminating food allergens from the diet. Dairy seems to be a common sensitivity in those children who suffer from ear infections, asthma, allergies and eczema. It is interesting to note that in countries where children do not consume dairy products, there are no ear infections reported.

Cranio-sacral therapy is another line of treatment that helps re-align the eustation tubes, which opens the ear canals and prevents fluid buildup.
Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology ( 2002; 111: 642-ð52 )