Ear Infection

While ear infections can occur at any age, they are most common in early childhood and infancy. In fact, ear infections are the reason for more than half the visits to pediatricians in the United States. Statistics show that acute ear infections affect two-thirds of American children under the age of two, while chronic infections affect two-thirds of children under age six.

There are two main categories of ear infection. The first is an outer ear infection, also known as swimmer’s ear or otitis externa. It affects the ear canal, which runs from the ear opening to the eardrum, and happens when a substance (usually, water-hence the nickname) enters the ear canal and is trapped there by a build-up of wax. In this stagnant condition, bacteria breed and flourish. The body responds to the infection with inflammation, redness, pain and sometimes a fever.

The second category, called a middle-ear infection or otitis media, is much more common, especially in very young children and infants. Most ear infections are usually associated with an upper respiratory infection or allergy. Forty percent of cases involve bacterial infection, with the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae. Many ear infections involve a viral infection that is unresponsive to antibiotics. Chronic middle ear infections refer to chronic swelling of the eardrum as a result of fluid accumulation. One of the reasons infants are susceptible to ear infections is due to the fact that the Eustachian tube (which drains fluid from the middle ear) is more horizontal than it is in adults and does not drain as efficiently. This tube becomes more vertical and drains better as children get older. The key is to prevent the build-up of this fluid with a proper diet. Food allergens, such as cow’s mild and sugar, trigger a cascade of inflammation responses that often result in mucus and fluid. These foods are often the root problem. In addition, avoiding environmental allergens is important—particularly secondhand smoke. Addressing food allergies and environmental allergens is crucial so that “germs” do not have an environment to grow in. Of course, a healthy functioning immune system is also key in preventing infection.

Some infections are a result of a malfunctioning or still-developing Eustachian tube, the passage that connects the tree bones of the middle ear to the nose and the throat. When the Eustachian tube isn’t working properly, mucus isn’t able to drain from behind the eardrum into the upper respiratory tract; instead, it remains trapped and causes pain and pressure. This situation often leads to infection, especially if there has already been a mucus-producing disease of the upper-respiratory system, such as a cold or the flu.

Middle ear-infections can be quite painful. There may be a fever, perhaps a very high one, with some hearing difficulty or nausea and vomiting. If your child pulls or slaps at his or her ear, an infection is a possibility. Take all ear infections and ear pain seriously. If you or your child experiences severe ear pain, followed by a sudden relief and/or discharge of blood or pus, consult a doctor immediately, even if you or the child feels well.

The over-prescribing of antibiotics fro childhood ear infections has been a contributing factor to antibiotic-resistance. In addition, they put your child at risk for Candida overgrowth.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

Symptoms

Not all of the following symptoms need to be present for a diagnosis of ear infection.

Root Causes

TREATMENT

Diet

These dietary suggestions will alleviate pain. More important, many of them will also prevent recurring infections. Significant changes in your child’s diet may be necessary for optimal results.

Recommended Food

A good diet based on whole grains, high-quality protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables will build up the immune system and discourage infection.

Drink plenty of water to thin mucus secretions.

Essential fatty acids, found in cols-water fish, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oil, are useful in reducing the inflammation or the allergies that are often present.

Switch bottle-fed babies to a nondairy formula, with you doctor’s supervision.

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid common allergens (e.g. cow’s milk); in order to not pass the allergenic portion through the breast milk. Food testing can be done with the mother.

Foods to Avoid

Investigate the possibility of food allergies, especially to dairy, wheat, sugar, citrus fruits, soy, eggs, or chocolate.

If ear infections recur or are chronic, suspend consumption of dairy products indefinitely. For infants and young children who are bottle-fed replace the regular cow’s milk formula with hypoallergenic/predigested formula.

Simple sugars suppress the immune system, so stay away from refined carbohydrates.

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