Ear infections in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
/Ear infections are a common condition we see at Eastridge Chiropractic Co., particularly among children. Characterized by fluid build up, inflammation and infection of the middle ear, these conditions can cause a lot of discomfort and pain for little ones. Recurring infections often means many rounds of antibiotics, which are disruptive to your child’s developing gut, and the possibility of ear tube surgery. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why children are more prone to ear infections, discuss the symptoms to look out for, and outline treatment options.
Why Are Children More Prone to Ear Infections?
1. Eustachian Tube Anatomy:
Children’s eustachian tubes are a different shape and structure than adults’. These tubes, responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear, are narrower, shorter and flatter than adults’. They are also more horizontal in children. This anatomy hampers proper drainage and ventilation, increasing the risk of fluid accumulation and infection.
2. Immature Immune System:
Children have developing immune systems that are less efficient at fighting off infections. This reduced immunity makes them more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses that can cause ear infections.
3. Frequent Respiratory Infections:
Children often experience upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds or flu, which can lead to ear infections. The close proximity of the respiratory and middle ear passages allows pathogens to easily travel and cause infection.
Symptoms of Ear Infections:
1. Ear Pain:
Children may experience earache or sharp, shooting pain in the affected ear(s). Younger children might tug at their ears or cry more than usual due to the discomfort.
2. Fever:
Ear infections begin with fluid accumulation in the ear, which can become infected within a day. Once infected, the body’s response is to go into fever in order to kill the virus or bacteria.
3. Irritability and Restlessness:
Children suffering from ear infections may exhibit irritability, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping due to the pain and discomfort.
Treatment Options:
When a child comes to our office with ear infections, they have typically been through multiple rounds of antibiotics and have been told ear tube surgery may be in their near future. At this point, parents are looking for alternative treatment options. We take a multi-faceted approach and look at their diet, factors such as bottles and pacifiers, and give recommendations for managing fluid build up and strengthening the immune system.
DIET
Sugar. Reduce or eliminate sugar. Sugar suppresses immune function. This includes fruit juice and anything with added sugars.
Dairy. Dairy is a major allergenic food. Dairy also has naturally occurring sugars, and it causes the body to increase mucous production. Mucous build up leads to an environment conductive to ear infections.
Water, fruits and veggies. Ensure colorful, pigmented fruits and vegetables at every meal and adequate hydration.
CHANGES AT HOME
Take away the Paci. This one can be the TOUGHEST! Pacifiers, however, are petri dishes for bacteria and viruses. When a child puts a pacifier in their mouth, the bacteria/viruses migrate to the back of the throat and move up the eustachian tube.
Address the nose. Congestion prevents drainage of fluid in the ears. Colorado is dry, and humidifiers (we love this one because it is also an air purifier) help keep the room at 40% humidity to allow better mucous drainage. Saline nose spray throughout the day helps improve the flow of mucous, and suctioning the nose with a nose frida can help keep nasal passages open.
Bottle feeding changes. Use a ventilated bottle (such as the Philips Avent Anti-Colic Air Free bottle). This prevents negative pressure being created in the inner ears, which lead to more inner ear secretions, and an environment prone to ear infections. Bottle feed in a semi upright position. Take away the bottle at 12-15 months.
MANAGE FLUID BUILD UP
Moist heat. Wet a wash cloth with warm water, and place on the side of the neck of the affected ear. You can place the towel along the jaw, in front of the ear, or behind the ear on the mastoid.
Massage. Using gentle pressure, massage the jaw muscles right in front of the ear lobe in a circular motion. The jaw muscles directly affect the ear canal. Massage from the base of your child’s skull along the ropey front muscle (the SCM) in long, gentle strokes. Lymph nodes live here, which are part of the immune system, and massage can help to stimulate them and improve lymphatic circulation.
Chiropractic Adjustments. Chiropractic can help a child overcome a current ear infection and prevent future ear infections. The way it works is twofold - biomechanically and via the nervous system. Biomechanically - if the joints of the neck and jaw are not moving properly, the muscles cannot contract properly. If the muscles don’t contract properly, they are unable to assist in allowing the fluid to drain from the ear canals. A chiropractic adjustment helps to restore normal range of motion to the neck, and improve function of the surrounding muscles. Neurologically - a chiropractic adjustment improves the way the brain communicates with the body. This means improved immune function and healing.
PAIN RELIEF
Garlic and Mullein Drops. Research has shown antimicrobial, pain relieving and removal of excessive ear wax with Garlic and Mullein oil drop blends. Warm the drops with steam in a tablespoon before administering for a further pain relieving effect.
Saline nose spray. Saline nose spray throughout the day helps improve the flow of mucous and reduce pressure build up. Saline drops with xylitol can be beneficial.
Colloidal Silver. Colloidal silver in the ear will help to kill any bacteria congregating in the ear canal. Place drops in the ear, let sit for 15 minutes, then allow the drops to drain out
Breastfeeding. Make sure you nurse often and on demand as much as possible when your child is fighting an infection. This provides comfort and provides antibodies to help fight the infection.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Probiotics. 70% of the immune system is in the gut. If we do not have a good gut barrier and good bacteria, we are more prone to all types of infections. This is one reason why children born via Cesarean are more prone to ear infections. Because they do not get the first exposure to good bacteria going through the vaginal canal, it is especially important that belly birth babies take a probiotic.
Omega-3 fats. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and allow the body to create the necessary white blood cells to fight infection.
Vitamin D3. 500 IUs of vitamin D per day are recommended for children. Vitamin D3 is crucial for immune system function.
Other considerations: There has been research showing xylitol can help reduce the incidence of ear infections. However research has also shown that it needs to be given 5 times per day in order to be effective (…impossible with young kids?). You can find Xylitol in gum, and it has also been shown to have dental benefits such as preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth and increasing saliva production.
Be careful with Benadryl. Benadryl may provide temporary relief of congestion, however it thickens and dries up mucous, which may create an environment conductive to ear infections.
All supplements mentioned here can be found on our Fullscript dispensary at 10% off (look under “ear infections”), and all links to products mentioned can be found here.
