| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Ear Infection / Ear Ache Information
The term ear infection covers a broad range of diseases that can affect any part of the structure of the ear. The most common form of ear infection is otitis media or middle ear infection, which is inflammation and infection of the middle ear. This type of ear infection affects as many as 95% of all young children under age 6. Other, less prevalent types of ear infections include otitis externa or swimmers ear, which affects the outer portion of the ear, and otitis interna, which affects the hearing parts of the ear. Up to 80% of all ear infections improve without treatment, but many doctors prescribe antibiotics to avoid complications. Repeated ear infections rarely result in permanent hearing loss but can cause temporary loss of hearing. This can be a problem in young children because normal hearing is crucial to learning proper speech and language skills.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Ear Infection / Ear Ache
Ear infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. During a cold or virus, the eustachian tubes (the tubes that connect the throat and the middle ear) can easily become blocked because they are shorter and more horizontal in young children than in older children and adults. Blocked tubes prevent ventilation and drainage of fluids from the middle ear, creating an idea environment for bacteria and viruses to multiply and cause infection. Fluid build-up and inflammation can also occur without illness, as well.
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Symptoms of a middle ear infection include mild or severe ear pain; fever; thick, yellow drainage from the ear; irritability; difficulty sleeping; vomiting; and loss of hearing. Symptoms of fluid build-up include ringing, popping and pressure in the ear; hearing loss, balance problems and dizziness. Babies and young children usually show signs of an ear infection by tugging or pulling on the ear. If blood drains from the ear, then the ear drum has likely ruptured. A ruptured ear drum should repair itself in about two weeks, but the child should see a doctor as soon as possible.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Ear Infection / Ear Ache
Parents can prevent their children from getting ear infections by not smoking, breast feeding the baby (if possible), washing hands regularly, keeping the childs immunizations up to date, placing the child in a small daycare (if possible) and avoiding pacifier use. Bottle-fed babies should never take a bottle while laying flat in a crib. Home care for a child with an ear infection should include pain relievers made especially for children, applying a warm washcloth or heating pad to the ear, encouraging rest and using ear drops when prescribed by a doctor. Never give aspirin to anyone younger than 20-years old.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic and can be taken orally or as an earwash.
Manganese deficiencies have been linked to ear disorders.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids boost immunity and fights infection.
Zinc helps reduce infection.
Evening Primrose Oil reduces infection and inflammation.
Vitamin B Complex is essential for healing and immune function.
Vitamin E enhances immune function.
Echinacea can stop an ear infection if caught early.
Olive Leaf Extract helps the body fight infection.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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