A child with an ear infection (otitis media) is one of the commonest reasons for a visit to the Doctor. It is also associated with high rates of antibiotic prescriptions and surgery for children in developed countries. Middle ear infections can be triggered by a cold and can reoccur frequently in some children. Chronic ear infections, ear wax build-up and fluid in the ear can lead to impaired hearing and learning difficulties. Natural therapies can help to boost the child’s immune system and remove excessive levels of wax and fluid.
Ear infections
These infections are common in babies and children under the age of six. Pus or fluid builds up behind the ear drum causing pain and mild deafness. Sometimes this pressure causes the eardrum to burst, releasing the fluid and helping to relieve the pain. A burst eardrum usually clears up on its own.
Symptoms of an ear infection include
- Earache
- Headache
- Fever
- Discharge from the ear
- Mild deafness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Glue Ear
When the child’s ear fills up with thick fluid this is referred to as Glue Ear. It usually occurs following a middle ear infection. If the infection is chronic and reoccurs, grommets can be surgically inserted to help drain the fluid. Like ear infections and colds, glue ear becomes less common as the child grows older.
The Common cold
Middle ear infections are caused by bacteria and can occur during a virus infections such as a cold. Because babies and young children are susceptible to colds, it also increases their risk of developing ear infections too.
Developmental delays
Fluid in a child’s ear due to ear infections can cause hearing difficulties. Sound doesn’t travel well through fluid and so to them normal speech can sound like a whisper. This loss in hearing only lasts for as long as the infection with no permanent hearing loss. A child who suffers constant ear infections might have delays in their speech development, purely because they can’t hear very well.
Wax build up
The ear canal cleans itself with a sticky, water-resistant secretion called cerumen. It helps to trap dust, micro-organisms and other substances in the ear canal and move it out of the ear. In some children, wax can fill up the ear canal, impairing their hearing and giving a sensation of fullness. It can also cause earache and ringing in the ears.
Reducing ear wax
Ear drops used to soften ear wax can be used to help the wax fall out on its own.Check with the pharmacist or Doctor before using products in young children's ear for suitablility. Ear candling is another method that can help to gently remove ear wax and cleanse the ear canal. Large quantities of hardened wax warrants a trip to an ear specialist. Otherwise a doctor can use an ear syringe, a special hook or suction device for removal.
To prevent wax build-up limit ear cleaning to the outer ear only and avoid inserting fingertips or cotton tips which only compacts the wax.
Reducing the amount of dairy and wheat in the diet may be helpful.
Breastfeeding for at least four months has been shown to provide the greatest protection against ear infections.
Compounds responsible for maintaining the proper balance of bacteria in the eustachian tube (a tube connecting the nose to the ear) are found in breast milk and help to give the child protection against ear infections.
Avoid cigarette smoke and air pollution.
Avoid muccous forming foods such as dairy, oranges, soy, corn, peanuts, tomatoes and grain products can provide successful prevention and treatment.
Vitamins A, C, D and E have been found to be low in children with ear infections. Use of these nutrients to help support the immune system.
Zinc is important for the immune system and can be used as a preventative and treatment of ear infections.
Probiotics play a role in mucosal and systemic immunity. Studies have shown that probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Steptococcus thermophilis, Lactobacillus acidophilis and Bifidobacterium spp. were effective in reducing the levels of bacteria that are associated with otitis media.
Chronic ear infections can be a sign that the child’s immune system is depleted and needs support. Ear infections are also common in children with atopy conditions such as asthma and eczema which further compromises the balance and activity of the immune system. If this is the case for your child, a naturopath can recommend specific ways to treat and prevent ear infections.
Herbal medicines
Echinacea is the main herb for helping to fight off infection and to increase the activity of the immune system. Try to use the root of Echinacea and be aware that a small number of atopic children may have an allergy or sensitivity to this herb.
Calendula can be useful to help heal an inflamed inner ear and eustachian tube.
Liquorice is a great tasting sweet herb that is anti-inflammatory and helps to stimulate the immune system. It also is great to use in kids with a cough.
Goldenseal, eyebright or elderflower are excellent in drying up excessive mucus or wax while providing antimicrobial actions.
Freshly grated ginger tea sweetened with manuka honey or stevia can be given to the child to help loosen mucus, reduce inflammation and support the immune system. (Caution on use of honey in children for allergic reactions).
Diet
A diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables to help support the immune system is a must and consider reducing or eleminating dairy, wheat and other mucus forming or allergen foods from the diet.
Children will often grow out of ear issues as their head grows and elongates, the eustacian tube beween the ear and the nose gets longer and the potential for problems reduces.
References
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-problems-in-children
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-wax
- Schilder AG, et al. Otitis media. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016 Sep 8;2:16063
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27604644
- Hechtman L (2014). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Churchill Livingstone, Australia
- Garca MF, et al. Serum myeloperoxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide levels in patients with chronic otitis media. J Membr Biol. 2013 Jul;246(7):519-24
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23756625
- Sarrell EM, et al. Naturopathic treatment for ear pain in children. Pediatrics. 2003 May;111(5 Pt 1):e574-9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12728112
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