Traditional Medical Approach-
Ear infections make up around 35% of a visits to a pediatrician in the United States. The most common form of treatment is an antibiotic prescription that works well in eliminating bacterial infections, but does not fight off viral infections. Ear tube surgery is the second most common type of surgery performed on children under 2. Ear tubes can be placed through the ear drum in order to let the ear drain, and these surgeries are performed by an otolaryngologist. Back up fluid in a child’s ear becomes a petri dish for bacteria to flourish which make tubes popular. Many parents begin to question the long term effectiveness of ear tubes as the ear drum eventually heals and the tubes fall out putting the child back in the original position. This surgery can be repeated numerous times.
Natural Approach
- Garlic Oil-2 warm drops in the ear daily
- Vitamin C-500mg for children 6-12 years old
- Zinc-10mg twice/daily for children over 2
- Vitamin D3-400iu daily
- Probiotics-Garden of Life Powder
- Non-Dairy Formula-Coconut Formula
- Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic care has shown great results in treating ear infections! A research study from the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy showed an improvement of 93% of cases utilizing chiropractic care for ear infections.
The connection of chiropractic care and ear infections usually involves a misalignment of the upper cervical region of the spine. A misaligned atlas bone may block the inner ear and prevent drainage creating an environment suitable for bacterial growth. Because very light pressure is all that is needed to give a chiropractic adjustment to a child’s spine, many parents seek chiropractic care as a primary way of preventing antibiotics and ear tubes.