Ear infections

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons a child visits the doctor. Ear pain can be caused by infection or fluid in the sinuses, ears or throat. If the problem is in the outer ear it’s called otitis extrena, if it’s in the middle it’s called otitis media and fluid in the ear without infection is called serous otitis media. Earaches occur at any age yet tend to be most frequent for children 8 years and younger. This is because of the position of their eustachian tube, which is more horizontal at a young age. In later years the eustachian tube is more vertical which sometimes inhibits good drainage.

A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum, due to an inflammatory state of the tissue lining the eustachian tube, middle ear and throat. The eustachian tube is blocked and fluid is not able to drain. This leads to a build up of fluids, pressure in the ear and bacteria growth. This infection is often a complication of the common cold or respiratory tract infection.

Serous otitis media should be properly diagnosed. A child that is given antibiotics for an infection, when in fact has a problem with fluid build-up could continue to have a chronic ear infection. Problems will continue, as the antibiotics now weakened their immune system and the real issue of fluid build-up is not resolved. Often this type of problem is caused by a food allergy, intolerances or possible nutrition deficiencies.

Unless the child has a high fever and is not responding to treatment within two days, many children can do without antibiotics for a middle ear infection. A Naturopathic Doctor can often help resolve middle ear infections without the use of antibiotics.

Nutrition and Recommendations
Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids help to reduce inflammation and aid the immune system in healing. Give a child over 5 years old one dose of Vitamin C six times a day. For younger children purchase a supplement made for infants or toddlers.

Zinc also boosts the immune system. Take as labelled.

Most of the pain caused by an earache is because of the pressure being felt by your child. Therefore, when they are sleeping, try propping up their head to help allow for better drainage.

You can also ease pain by trying a herbal remedy of warm natural oil in the ear. Warm the drops to body temperature (as cold or hot will cause more pain). A glycerite drop, (goldenseal glycerite) or herbal oil is recommended. DO NOT use if you see discharge coming from the ear or the eardrum is ruptured. If your child does not like the drops you can use warm heat on the outside of the ear and neck by applying a warm compress for 10 to 20 minutes a day.

Ensure that your child is continuing to eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and is drinking lots of water.

SIDE NOTE: Also ensure your child is not around smoke; a child exposed to second hand smoke has been shown to have an increase in problems with ear infections.