» Ear Infections

What causes ear infections in childhood?

Infection of the middle ear, or acute otitis media, is a common symptom in childhood. In fact, it is the most common cause of fever in the early years of life. This condition may be very painful, and after several recurring infections, may result in permanent damage. What can you do to help your child?

A different approach to childhood ear infections.

Research shows that upper respiratory infections (URIs), including otitus media, may be caused by improper drainage of the deep neck lymphatics. In these cases, a doctor looking in your child's ear will see a buildup of fluid behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum), with the inside of the ear appearing inflamed and the ear drum bulging.

A popular medical method of medical treatment of otitis media is prescription of oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (December 1991), however, amoxicillin with and without decongestant-antihistamine combination is NOT effective for the treatment of persistent asymptomatic middle ear effusions (fluid) in infants and children. In fact, after administration of amoxicillin, occurrence of fluid in the ear was two to six times greater. As a parent of a child with recurring ear problems, you may have experienced this research firsthand.

The most recent model suggests that reduced drainage or blockage in the drainage system of the cervical (neck) lymphatic chains causes a reduction in the lymphatic outflow from the Eustachian tube. This allows fluid to build up in the inner ear, making it an inviting environment for bacterial and viruses. Improper drainage of this fluid is caused by a combination of events. Increased muscle tone or muscle spasms, coupled with a child's already small drainage system, appear to be the major factors.

Instead of treatment that tries to kill the bacteria or virus, a more natural approach would be to restore normal drainage of the ears and neck lymphatics.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Vertebrae (the bones in your back) fit together so that the LIFE (nerve supply) produced in your brain may filter down your spinal cord and out over your nerves. This LIFE is responsible for growth, repair, and healing in your entire body. When vertebrae are out of their natural alignment, nerves become stretched or twisted (commonly referred to as a nerve "pinch"), this vital communication system in the body is disrupted.

This neurological disturbance is called a subluxation. The Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in the detection and correction of subluxations. This is done by laying hands on your back and gently adjusting vertebrae that are locked and not moving normally. This process may take weeks or months depending on the severity and how long it has been there. LIFE may then be restored throughout the body, and healing can take place. As your body heals, the symptoms begin to diminish. Chiropractic adjustment applied to the neck corrects subluxations, restores normal function, and reduces or eliminates the tense neck musculature responsible for blocking the normal drainage of the fluid. As this obstruction to the lymphatic system is removed, the excess fluid in the ears drains. The inviting environment for bacteria and viruses to grow in is removed, and the infection can heal. Once normal drainage is restored, the recurrence of ear infection is diminished or nonexistent.

When should your child be checked for subluxations?

Newborn infants should be checked within hours after birth. The birth process, even under natural and controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic. During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the neck, may be injured as the baby is compressed and pushed down the birth canal. The most frequent subluxation experienced by newborns results from the pulling, twisting, and compression of the infant's spine during birth. Forceps, suction devices and pulling on the infants head by the doctor during otherwise normal deliveries, are insults to the spine and the soft tissue of the neck. Although birth subluxations may cause immediate symptoms, such as respiratory depression, there may be far-reaching effects that are manifested for years. The child's ability to fight against disease, for example, may be lowered. Colds, ear infections, colic, and other illnesses may result.

Subluxations may also interfere with internal organ function, resulting in the inability to produce chemicals responsible for raising and lowering body temperature as needed! Research has also indicated that the body's immune response in the production of antiviral and anti-bacterial agents to fight infection is greatly compromised due to vertebral lesions or subluxations.

Chiropractic is safe and natural.

The chiropractic approach to health care is natural. It does not try to stimulate or inhibit normal body function. Instead, the chiropractor addresses the important relationship between the nervous system and disease. The systemic effect of vertebral subluxations is complex. Many childhood illnesses may be manifested in the pediatric patient due to abnormal body function caused by subluxations. In light of this, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child.

Children should be checked frequently for subluxations to ensure good health.