Today we’re going to discuss every parent’s worst night mare – “Otitis media” or otherwise known as “ear infections.” Few occasions make parents feel as helpless as when their child is suffering from an ear infection. In fact, ear infections are the most common childhood complaint. Ear infections account for more than 35 percent of all pediatric visits in the United States.

Ear infections are very common, but don’t confuse common with normal. Antibiotics, the usual treatment for ear infections, aren’t always effective and could lead to recurrence of ear infections. The most common medical care for this situation has been antibiotics, although antibiotics have no effect on viruses. The antibiotic may be effective in an acute bacterial infection, but it does nothing to stop repeated viral infections

There are several possible causes of ear infections in children. Bacteria can cause ear infections, and this is the only reason children should get antibiotics as treatment. Viruses frequently cause infection in the ear, but they don’t respond to antibacterial medications. Approximately 90 percent are viral infections

Abnormal drainage of fluid from the middle ear thru the Eustachian tube (ear tube) can also cause major ear pain. Children have more horizontal and shorter ear tube than adults, creating drainage problems. This difference makes children more prone to blockage of the tube. Improper lymph drainage and muscle tension can contribute to the irritation of earache,

Unfortunately, up to half of the 110 million antibiotic prescriptions written annually by private practitioners may be "inappropriate" for the illness being treated. The most common treatment is a prescription of oral antibiotics, most commonly amoxicillin. Recently there was a research article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The research pointed out to parents whose children are taking antibiotics for ear infections something that is very alarming. It concluded that children who took amoxicillin for chronic ear infections were two-to-six times more likely to have a recurrence of their ear problems than those who received a sugar pill.

Of course – there is the surgical approach -- This drastic technique involves surgically cutting a hole in the eardrum and implanting a small tube to drain fluid collection. A recent issue of Consumer Reports indicated that there are nearly 700,000 of these operations performed annually, by far the most common operation performed on children. But most children don’t need it. In a study published by the British Medical Journal, investigators found that 70 percent of the operations performed were inappropriate.

More and more parents have started to realize the importance of chiropractic checkups for their children. Chiropractors examine and evaluate the spine as it relates to the nerve supply to the ears. Chiropractic adjustments aid in restoring lost function of the nervous system that can be damaged from falls, the birth process and other spinal stresses

Chiropractic does not involve the actual treatment of earaches or infection. However, it can revive the body's own inborn healing ability naturally - without the dangerous use of drugs. Usually, that’s all the body requires.

I attempt to get to root cause of a health problem rather than just treat the symptoms. Misalignments of the spine (also called subluxations) can occur during childbirth, from tumbles or falls, or from any other normal activity. I maintain that misalignments left untreated can irritate the nerves and eventually disrupt the body’s ability to function properly. The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to help to restore the normal functioning of the nervous system so the body can heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

Also, for a number of reasons, parents should monitor their child’s diet. Avoid sugar as it reduces immune function. No dairy products, which enhance mucous product. Also, place a few drops of breast milk in the ear canal every few hours; don’t bottle feed an infant lying flat; always have them propped up slightly. And give your child a Probiotics supplementation  (see this link for more information: https://www.innatechoice.com/probiotic.cfm) which is available at our office or any quality store that sells nutrition supplements products.