Ear infections that reoccur are particularly problematic for children, especially when they are continually prescribed antibiotics to treat them. After a few rounds of antibiotics, the child has a very compromised gut microbiome, which can lead to many other health issues, and they may become a candidate for having tubes in the ears. This is major surgery which requires the child to be under anesthesia, and it doesn’t do anything to fix the condition that started the ear infections in the first place, which is an inability of the middle ear to drain properly, allowing bacteria to thrive there.
Chiropractors do not treat infections or prescribe any drugs, but we can do something to normalize the environment that causes bacteria to proliferate in the ear. The middle ear is a resonant chamber that can accumulate fluid, which normally is allowed to drain. When there is dysfunction in the top vertebra of the spine, this tube can become tighter, inhibiting drainage.
The chiropractic adjustment allows the muscles around the inner ear to relax, so they no longer interfere with the canal’s ability to drain. It normalizes function and restores proper movement in the neck, so the environment of the ear no longer nourishes bacterial growth. In addition, studies have found chiropractic adjustments to boost important immune cells that fight invading pathogens.
Many ear infections are viral and do not require antibiotics, and around 70%, seem to start as viral and become bacterial in addition while the immune system is weakened from fighting the virus. Even when bacterial in origin, ear infections usually resolve on their own. More than half of kids will feel better after a day, and 3/4 in a week without any treatment.
Supplementation can be very effective as well. Monolaurine has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is very effective at stopping pathogens in their tracks when given at the first sign of illness, without harming good bacteria in the gut or the risk of bacteria becoming resistant as with antibiotics. It is extremely important to get your child on an excellent probiotic following any prescribed antibiotics, and even after using some natural antibiotics and antivirals such as oil of oregano and colloidal silver, which can still disrupt the healthy bacteria of the gut.
We try to avoid antibiotics whenever possible in our home to maintain optimal immune function and gut health in the long-term, but sometimes medical intervention is necessary. If you notice any of the following accompanying an ear infection, seek medical attention immediately:
- A knot or swelling formed under or behind the ear
- Tightness and difficulty moving the face
- Personality changes (extremely fussy or lethargic)
- Sudden high fever or seizure.
