EAR INFECTION Q&A with DR. CAMILLE
As a pediatric chiropractor, I help plenty of kids whose lives have been interrupted by frequent ear infections. Ear infections are no fun at all: the crying, the fevers, the sleepless nights, and the constant trips to the clinic… the list goes on.
I gathered some of the most common questions I hear from mamas with kiddos who struggle with frequent ear infections. Of course, if you have further questions about chiropractic care as a support, please reach out to me with a quick phone call to Early Beginnings. I’d be happy to schedule a consultation with you.
As always, please seek recommendations from your child’s pediatrician and make the best-informed choice for your family. This blog is not medical advice, as every situation (and every child) is unique.
Do you know a parent who is commonly found AWAKE at 2am with their kiddo due to ear infections? Give that mom or dad the gift of a few more hours of sleep and share this post!
Let’s get into it.
What causes recurring ear infections?
Ear infections are caused by one’s inability to clear fluid behind the eardrum. This accumulation, along with a weak or unhealthy immune system, creates an environment for an infection to grow.
What are some early symptoms of an ear infection?
Fluid behind the eardrum
Rapid onset of pain (this is usually worse at night when children are lying down)
Disruption in sleep
Fever
Excessive crying
Difficulty nursing or decreased appetite
Pulling on the ears
Ear or jaw pain
Cold-like symptoms
How can I soothe my child with an ear infection?
Lavender oil around the ear
Mullein Garlic oil ear drops
Arnica tabs
Congestion relief (I linked my family’s favorites!)
Oils on the chest or temples
Steam
Get a chiropractic adjustment
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How can I make the ear infections happen less frequently?
Support the immune system through proper nutrition, vitamins D, A, C, E, and zinc. Try to sustain healthy, infection-fighting bacteria by avoiding antibacterials and antibiotics, when possible. Get probiotics from a reputable source (I give my kids this one), and from the dirt. Elderberry syrup can be preventive for viral infections like colds - which is usually how an ear infection starts.
Image found at https://human-anatomylessons.blogspot.com/2020/10/auditory-tube-pharyngotympanic-tube.html
Why is chiropractic suggested as a tool to fight ear infections?
Just like your neck or back feels tight when you need an adjustment, the tiny muscle attaching to the eustachian tube can spasm creating tension on the eustachian tube. This prevents proper drainage. This is worse in kids because their eustachian tubes are more horizontal than in adults. Think of a pool noodle full of water laying flat on the ground. Now lift one end up just slightly. The water can drain.
Chiropractic adjustments allow for proper draining of the fluid through the eustachian tube.
Will he/she grow out of ear infections?
Possibly. Eventually, the eustachian tube will grow to become more vertical and the fluid will be able to drain more efficiently. However, most kids then grow into sinus infections, frequent strep, and other difficulties if the root problem is not addressed.
Do all ear infections require antibiotics or tubes?
This blog is not medical advice. Please see your family practitioner (MD) if you have concerns.
If the ear infection is non-severe, the APA recommends you watch and wait. Provide support and watch for a change in symptoms within 2-3 days. Antibiotics are recommended if the ear infection is severe. Of course, you will need to consult with your MD about such treatment options.
The APA recommends offering tubes only when ear infections are recurrent - 3 in 6 months or 4 in a year. Some studies have shown that tubes provide no better or worse outcome than not placing tubes. Parents need to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with their MD.
References:
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/3/e964#sec-4
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/951037#vp_2
And there you have it! Are your ears ringing? [No pun intended] Take your time and do the best you can with the information you have. If you think your child would benefit from chiropractic care, please read a little bit more about our family care practice. I’d love to meet your little one!