Did you know that 1 in 3 ear infections are viral? Ear infections are not distinguished between bacterial and viral, so antibiotics are routinely and generally prescribed, and sometimes have no benefit. Antibiotic use, although effective at times, does not come without side effects. Antibiotics kill bacteria, so when ear infections are viral, they can make the viral infection worse by killing good bacteria in the gut that would typically help your body fight infections. Some chronic ear infections are even caused by candida overgrowth, which is fungal. Fungal growth can occur after there is a gut imbalance due to antibiotic use.
The eustachian tube is a passage in the ear that connects the middle ear to the nasal passages. The eustachian tube’s job is to help maintain a balanced air pressure around the ear drums. In a child, the eustachian tube is shorter, narrower and more horizontal whereas in an adult it is more vertical and wider. This is why children are more prone to ear infections. Ear infections occur when secretions or fluid containing bacteria or viruses gets trapped in the eustachian tube. The horizontal nature of the eustachian tube in a child is more likely to have fluid or secretions trapped in it.
Sometimes I hear mothers express concern about the amount of ear wax their child is producing. This is a normal response of the immune system! Just like the body raises its internal temperature to fight infection through fevers, it uses ear wax to remove microbes from the ear and keep your child healthy.
If you decide that the risk of antibiotic use is too high for your child, here are some alternative treatment methods to consider.
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Chiropractic care:
- As a chiropractor, I adjust ears almost daily. Making sure the ear is open and the eustachian tube is properly draining can help decrease the amount of ear infections you get. I also intentionally check the top bones of the spine that sit right next to the ear and jaw. If there is a lack of joint movement that is interfering with the nervous system signal, drainage in the ear may be affected. C1, which is the top vertebral segment of your spine, is also responsible for your ears, eyes, nose and throat neurologically so it is important to check it consistently and adjust when necessary.
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Supplements:
- There are many supplements that can help support ear infections. Two of my favorites are garlic oil and colloidal silver which can both be used topically or internally.
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Breastfeeding:
- When possible, breastfeeding is one of the absolute best things you can do for your child’s health. When the baby latches to the nipple, some of the baby’s saliva is absorbed through the nipple which sends a response to the mother to produce certain antibodies needed. The mother’s body then produces the correct antibodies to fight whatever infection baby may have and sends them back through the breastmilk.
There are many conservative care options when it comes to ear infections. If you do find yourself using an antibiotic, or if you have used antibiotics frequently in the past, make sure you are using a high-quality probiotic to rebuild your child’s gut. The gut is the most important part of the immune system and will help prevent future infections.
-Dr. Sophie Mills, D.C.