Five out of six toddlers will suffer from an ear infection before the age of 3. Fever, irritability and pain are all commonly associated with ear infections and leave parents distraught and looking for a solution. The number one reason children are prescribed antibiotics is for ear infections. Is this always necessary and the best solution? Probably not. In most cases ear infections are viral and will not respond to antibiotics. Even bacterial infections do not always require antibiotics.
For over 10 years now, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians have recommended that pediatricians use a ‘wait and see’ approach with ear infections; allowing the child’s body to first fight the infection for 48-72 hours and only prescribing antibiotics if they symptoms do not improve. This approach takes into account that within 2-3 days 70% of ear infections resolve on their own and 80% of infections clear up by day 10. Unfortunately, even with these new guidelines antibiotics are still being prescribed just as frequently. For parents looking for an alternative approach to both treating and preventing ear infections there are other options.
One proactive approach to treating an ear infection is diet modification. Eliminating dairy will decrease mucus production and reduce inflammation. Simultaneously, you can supercharge your child’s immune system by reducing their sugar intake.
There are also natural approaches to helping ease ear pain without antibiotics. As long as the ear drum has not ruptured, garlic oil, coconut oil or breast milk (all of these have strong antimicrobial properties) can be used as ear drops.
Chiropractic care provides many parents with the long term solution they are looking for in regard to preventing ear infections and improving their child’s immune system and general well-being. Our chiropractors are trained in adjustments that can open up the Eustachian tube so it can function properly. Allowing the ear to drain relieves pressure, eliminates pain and helps prevent reoccurring ear infections.
At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, our doctors look forward to helping others heal in the healthiest ways possible. Stop by our office or call 732-345-1377 for an evaluation and find out why helping your child get healthy and stay healthy is so important to us!
