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Natural Solutions for Chronic Ear Infections
Before discussing treatments, though, some background information is helpful. There are two types of ear infections. First, Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) is an accumulation of fluid in the ear and tends to be chronic. OME can lead to the second type of infection, Acute Suppurative Otitis Media (ASOM) that is caused by a bacterial infection in the middle ear. The transition from OME to ASOM typically follows a predictable pattern. The child has an allergy (to food or environmental factors) or viral infection that causes inflammation and increased secretions. These secretions block the Eustachian tube, causing negative pressure in the middle ear and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This bacterial growth leads to the acute middle ear infection. The key to preventing acute infections and chronic hearing problems is to treat the underlying cause. These causes vary from environmental allergen or irritants or dietary sensitivities to weakened immune status or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (improper draining of fluids). In order to address these underlying causes, the child’s environment should be assessed. Some common environmental allergies to consider are household pets, dust, and mold. Vinegar is an effective cleaner that kills mold spores and a HEPA air filter should be considered for the child’s room to help decrease the allergen load while he sleeps. In addition, cigarette smoke should be eliminated from the child’s living space. Another important finding is that breast-feeding helps prevent ear infections. It reduces allergies/sensitivities to food and helps form the proper musculature to allow the Eustachian Tubes to drain. If your breast-fed child develops ear infections, try eliminating the top allergenic foods from the mother’s diet such as dairy (cow’s milk products), wheat, eggs, and peanuts. Other common food allergens are soy, corn, and citrus. The best approach seems to be a gradual process of elimination, starting with dairy first then proceeding down the list until improvement is noted. On the other hand, there are helpful foods that you want to include in your (and your child’s) diet such as garlic, onions, watercress, horseradish, lemon, berries, fruits and dark leafy greens. Drinking adequate water is also essential, as it acts to liquefy mucous congestion. For the child with the tendency toward allergies, essential fatty acids are also an important part of treatment. The essential fatty acids found in flax oil, fish oil, and evening primrose oil can decrease the tendency toward allergy by promoting anti- inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. Enhancing the immune system during cold and flu season is another important consideration to help decrease the occurrence of ear infections. If your child attends daycare or spends time with other children (or adults), they will likely be exposed to infection during this season. Extra vitamin C and a good multi-vitamin help bolster your child’s nutritional status and provide extra protection. Some herbs to boost the immune system that are safe for children over 6 months are Echinacea, Lair, and Elder. Be sure to consult your physician for the proper dose for your child. Finally, to help restore Eustachian Tube function, have your child blow through a one-way valve or blow up a balloon. As mentioned previously, a child that is too young for these activities will benefit from breast-feeding. If the child is bottle-fed, elevate her head as lying flat with a bottle encourages the reflux of fluids into the Eustachian Tubes. Soft tissue or spinal manipulation may also help restore ET function. A Chiropractor, Osteopath, or Naturopathic Physician experienced in working with children can assess how your child might benefit from these techniques. If these suggestions do not resolve the ear infections, consult with your physician for an individualized approach.
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