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Ear
Infections Plaguing Nearly All Of Our Children
A very common issue:
About 80% of children will have at least one ear infection by
the age of 5, and 75% will have one by the age of 3. It is also
said that otitis media (middle ear infection) is the most common
cause of hearing loss in children, costing approximately $2
billion annually on medical and surgical treatments in the U.S.
In addition to otitis media, children and adults may suffer
from otitis externa (infection of the outer ear), commonly referred
to as swimmer's ear. If you are a parent with a young child
in daycare or a parent with a child who spends a lot of time
under water, you have no doubt had some experience with ear
infections and it was more than likely, not a pleasant one.
What causes ear infections and why are they so common?
Well, swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is probably the most common
type of ear infection during the summer months and occurs when
water is trapped in the ear canal, usually from swimming and
spending a lot of time in the water, causing bacteria to grow.
Other causes of otitis externa can be anything that breaks the
skin in the ear canal causing bacterial growth such as cotton-tipped
applicators, bobby pins, or vigorous scratching.
Middle ear infections (otitis media) are more common during
winter and spring. It is an infection in the space behind the
eardrum caused by backed up fluid leading to bacterial growth.
The fluid gets backed up, usually from a previous infection
or cold that has caused the Eustachian tube to become blocked
due to swelling and increased secretions in the nose and throat.
The Eustachian tube's purpose is to act as a drain for secretions
created by the middle ear and to regulate air pressure. Middle
ear infections have multiple causes such as respiratory infections,
being exposed to cigarette smoke and allergies. It can also
be caused by the baby's position during bottle-feeding, if the
baby is lying flat while sucking the Eustachian tube does not
work properly. There has been a dramatic rise in the number
of ear infections over the last two decades due to the need
for a two-income household and moms returning to the workplace
before the child's immune system has had a chance to fully develop.
Infants and toddlers are continually bombarded by respiratory
infections in day care centers.
Are there long-term complications from chronic ear infections?
Yes. There can be possible long-term complications with both
types of ear infections if not treated properly. The list of
complications that can arise from improperly treated swimmer's
ear are chronic otitis externa, narrowing of the ear canal that
would affect hearing and future infections, facial infections,
and, in the immune challenged, malignant otitis externa. Malignant
otitis externa would be the most severe complication, which
is the spread of infection to the bones of the ear canal and
lower part of the skull.
Since middle ear infections occur in the very young the complications
can be detrimental to the development of the child. As previously
quoted, middle ear infections are the number one cause of hearing
loss in children and this may cause further complications of
delayed speech development. Also, middle ear infections can
spread to nearby structures in the head like the mastoid bone
(mastoiditis), and in extreme cases the brain (meningitis).
The mastoid bone is a complex system of air cells that house
the structures of the inner ear responsible for balance and
facial expressions.
What are some of the symptoms of ear infections?
Symptoms of swimmer's ear start with a mild to moderate pain
that is made worse by tugging at the outer ear and an itchy
ear. Other symptoms include: a sensation that the ear is blocked
or full; drainage; fever; decreased hearing; intense pain that
may radiate to the neck, face or side of the head; the outer
ear may appear to be pushed forward or away from the skull;
and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms to look for of middle ear infections in infants and
toddlers are: hearing problems; inconsolable crying; irritability;
restlessness; fever; vomiting; ear drainage; and tugging at
the ear. Symptoms to look for of middle ear infections in children,
adolescents and adults are: earache; a feeling of fullness or
pressure in the ear; hearing problems; dizziness or loss of
balance; nausea or vomiting; ear drainage; and fever.
Is there anything you can do to prevent ear infections?
Yes. The key is to keep the ears free of moisture. Dry your
ears after swimming or bathing; the safest way to dry your ears
is by using a hair dryer. Using removable earplugs while in
the water may do the trick, but be sure they fit snuggly in
the ear. Also, if you know that you do not have a perforated
eardrum, then you can use an eardrop mixture of half vinegar
and half alcohol. One other important note is that people with
itchy ears or those who have excessive earwax are more susceptible
to an infection, so it would be wise to have your ears cleaned
periodically by an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) or your family
doctor.
There are multiple preventative options to alleviate middle
ear infections, however, none of them are guaranteed to work
all of the time. Babies that are breast-feed for the first 6
months are less likely to contract middle ear infections for
two reasons: one, the mother is able to pass along important
antibodies to protect against various diseases and illnesses,
and two, the use of cow's milk can be an irritant to the Eustachian
tube. Allergies are a major factor in chronic ear infections.
Singling out the allergen and removing it from the child's diet
or environment will play an important role in the health of
your child. Common allergies that may contribute to ear infections
are: wheat, dairy products (cow's milk), pet dander, mold and
pollen. Another diet consideration that may help would be to
reduce sugar intake. The natural sweetener xylitol (found in
some fruits) has been known to reduce ear infections. It is
very important to keep your child away from second hand cigarette
smoke. Also, be sure your child is getting enough antioxidants
in order to boost their immune system such as Vitamins A, C,
E and Zinc.
Be cautious of taking too much
zinc and of taking it for a long period of time. The RDA for
zinc for infants 7 months - 3 years is 3 mg, children 4-8 years
is 5 mg, children 9-13 is 8 mg, adolescents 14-18 is 11 mg (males)
& 9 mg (females), and 19+ 11 mg (males) & 8 mg (females). If
taking it for more than a few weeks, then you should also take
copper along with it. Always consult your physician if you are
pregnant or lactating before taking any supplementation.
Ear Infection Treatments:
Traditional and Alternative
It is important to note that if any type of ear infection is
suspected, whether the inflicted be an infant, child, adolescent
or adult, that a physician is consulted before starting any
treatment plan. In addition, follow up appointments should be
made until the infection has been completely dissipated.
Otitis Externa or Swimmer's Ear
If swimmer's ear is caught early on it may be successfully treated
with a mild acid solution such as boric or acetic acid (vinegar).
If the infection persists or was not caught in the early stages
cleaning the ear with antibiotics may work, however, this method
can only be used providing the eardrum is not perforated. If
the ear canal is swollen shut, the physician may place a sponge
or a wick in the ear canal before administering antibiotic eardrops
as well as prescribing steroid eardrops to reduce the inflammation.
It may be necessary for the physician to clean out the ear to
remove pus and debris, and he may also run a culture to identify
what type of bacteria or fungi that are causing the infection.
In addition, oral antibiotics and pain medications may be prescribed,
although, over the counter pain relievers should be enough to
manage the pain. A warm washcloth or heating pad over the ear
may also work for temporary pain relief. In extreme cases where
the infection has spread to bones in the skull intravenous antibiotics
and surgery may be necessary. The best treatment, however, is
to never get an infection in the first place; focus on prevention.
Otitis Media or Middle Ear Infections
The traditional treatment of middle ear infections is oral antibiotics,
acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and analgesic
eardrops. If the child has allergies the doctor may prescribe
antihistamines and if the child has a cold he/she may prescribe
decongestants. There are disputes over the effectiveness of
antibiotics and its overuse. An alternative to traditional antibiotics
is colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic that can be taken
orally or used as an ear wash. In addition, a carotenoid complex
of 20,000 IU daily will aid in controlling the infection for
adults, and 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil for children. An alternative
to the traditional approach for pain relief is to place a few
drops of warm garlic oil or olive oil in the ear, then a drop
or two of lobelia or mullein oil, and then place a cotton ball
loosely in the ear. Also, Goldenseal extract and Echinacea are
herbs that support immune function; however, a physician should
be consulted before starting this alternative treatment option.
Chronic Middle Ear Infections
If middle ear infections become chronic, the treating physician
may suggest the insertion of ventilation tubes in order to drain
the opposing fluid down the Eustachian tubes and to prevent
the build up of future fluid in the middle ear. Typically, as
the child grows, the tubes will fall out and the eardrum will
heal on it's own. If for some reason the tubes do not fall out
on their own, the doctor will remove the tubes. Other surgical
procedures that may be suggested by your physician are the removal
of the adenoids or tonsils. Chronically infected and swollen
adenoids or tonsils can cause the dysfunction of the Eustachian
tubes. Adenoids are small organs located in the back of the
throat, behind the sinuses. Both organs are thought to act as
a defense against incoming bacteria and viruses. However, if
they are constantly enlarged (hypertrophy) they may do more
harm than good.
Chiropractic For Middle Ear Infections
Chiropractic adjustment is another option for parents to try
before resulting to surgery. Several studies have shown the
safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatments in children.
"In one study of 46 children (age 5 and under) with otitis media,
93% of all episodes improved, 75% in ten days or less. In another
study, five children with chronic recurrent otitis media all
responded favorably to chiropractic care." Alternative
Medicine - The Definitive Guide
Vã·¡ Products That Can Help
Vã·¡ Buddies
is a complete blend of essential vitamins and minerals specifically
formulated for children. Some of the ingredients in Vã·¡ Buddies
include Vitamins A, C & E, Manganese, and Zinc; all of these
ingredients have been found to help boost the immune system.
Immune-Aid+ provides the effective combinations
of phytomedicinals, herbs, amino acids and metabolites that
the body needs to fight off infection. Some of the ingredients
in Immune-Aid+ include Colloidal Silver, Goldenseal, Echinacea,
Beta Carotenes, OptiZinc, and Ester-C. The ingredients in Immune-Aid+
have been shown to: help reduce fever; help fight infection
by strengthening the immune system; and help increase rate of
recovery with the efficient removal of pathogens, bacteria and
other toxins.
Virexin is a powerful homeopathic medicinal
combining plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and more to
give the body optimal nutritional support and help the body
to activate the immune system defenses against bacterial and
viral infections, rid itself of deadly free ranging DNA-viral
matter and accelerate recovery, alleviate the symptoms of colds
and flu, and restock those nutrients that often become depleted
from prolonged illness. Some ingredients found in Virexin include
Echinacea, OptiZinc and St. John's Wort.
Aller-Sine is a homeopathic medicinal
that contains highly specific nutrients to aid the body's natural
ability to reduce the overabundance of histamine and other inflammatory
cytotoxic substances within the body, while also inhibiting
allergic reactions to drugs/serums, pollen, dust, animal fur
and other environmental pollutants. Some of the ingredients
in Aller-Sine include Echinacea, Vitamin C, Folic Acid and specific
homeopathics known to prevent allergic responses.
ReFlora+ contains a special complex of
10 different and beneficial bacteria, plus phytomedicinals and
other nutrients, to help the body restore healthy bacterial
flora. The use of long-term antibiotics can destroy the balance
of beneficial bacteria, which is extremely important for the
immune system.
Please click on to the following link for dosages for infants
and children.
http://www.vaxa.com/library/rrirs2.cfm
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