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Acute Otitis Media
Serous Otitis Media
Answers to Common questions and Product Information
“….60% of children, whether on placebo or antibiotics, showed improvement within 24 hours after initially presenting otitis media symptoms…..”
How Common Are Ear Infections
Otitis Media is defined as inflammation to the middle ear. Otitis Media, also known as ‘Glue Ear’, is the leading reason for visits to pediatricians in the United States.
Statistics show a 150% increase from 1975 to 1990, up to 24.5 million visits in children under the age of 15 years old. By the age of 1 year, 62% had at least one Acute Otitis Media episode and 74% had at least 3 episodes by age 7.
Chronic ear infections affect 20 to 40 percent of children under the age of 6 years. Typical allopathic treatment is a trial of amoxicillin followed by myringotomy (“tubes in the ears”) in those with recurrence of the disorder. Cost of the treatment is an average of $406 per incident and $2,174 when there is surgical intervention. Annual cost are in the range of $2 billion. Many doctors are now beginning to question the efficacy of this form of treatment.
Myringotomies are quite common today, but there are definite problems with the procedure. Complications may stem from anesthesia, a probable need for repeat surgeries to replace the tubes, a 51% chance of tympanosclerosis and a 13% chance of post-surgical otorrhea (ear discharge). In a study of 600 cases, only 41% had appropriate indicators that would suggest myringotomy be performed.
“…..70% of children who are on antibiotic therapy still show fluid in the ear at the end of 4 weeks…..”
Risk Factors
There is a debate over the exact cause of Otitis Media. Strong evidence suggest that it is multi-factorial. Probably the most definitive study done relating to this condition points to the benefit of breast feeding a minimum of 4 months and it appears the longer the better. Factors that have a role are environmental (especially second hand smoke), dietary considerations (especially food allergies), and a structural predisposition at the nasopharynx where bacteria may collect and be swept into the Eustachian tube.
Normally the tube is closed, but when it opens to drain normal ear fluids and that drainage is impaired, an air pocket forms and the negative pressure then sweeps unwanted bacteria into the middle ear. However, not all Otitis Medias are infected with bacteria. Analyses of the fluid from affected ears show 20%-30% have no bacteria present.
Those at risk are male infants, those attending a daycare facility, and those that have parents who smoke. Data suggests a high incidence of allergies with 78% showing recurrent Serous Otitis Media. Elimination of the offending foods led to an 86% reduction of symptom recurrence with a 94% recurrence of symptoms upon reintroducing the offending foods. A tendency to formula-feed the baby while recumbent may also contribute. Breastfeeding requires switching sides but bottle-feeding will be given usually on one side dependent on the handiness of the mother or caregiver. Attention to those factors may reduce the likelihood of contracting the disorder. Proper nutrition is encouraged with limiting sugar, diary, wheat, corn, soy and yeast products.
The Natural Approach
Cranial therapy and attention to the spine, posture and stress may assist reducing factors that may combine to create an environment to produce a sick child. The natural practitioner pays attention to the whole child and will suggest dietary changes, allergy testing, and often provide a structural, botanical and homeopathic program to alleviate and prevent this problem.
A child’s Eustachian tube is not at the same angle as an adult making them more prone to infection. Mastoid and lymphatic massage may promote drainage.
Various topical applications to the tympanic membrane may be of benefit such as mullein oil or garlic followed by a few drops of lobelia.
Ear Drainage Technique
This ear massage technique involves using gentle finger pressure beginning on the anterior aspect of the mastoid going forward to the back of the jaw bone and under it going forward towards the parotid and salivary glands.
Gently push the tragus (flap of skin anterior to the external auditory meatus) closed of the opening of the OEM and create a suction by pumping it 25 times. NOTE: One may also use the palm of the hand over the ear to create a suction.
Treating the child’s digestive tract to decrease allergic response and strengthening the immune system are appropriate places to treat and rebuild thus preventing recurrence. Poor pancreatic function will result in a more viscous lymph so the introduction of enzymes may be of benefit. Vitamin C should be administered as well as zinc and vitamin E.
“Every case of Otitis Media I have treated with Mucolytic Drainage Formula cleared up within 3 days” -Doctor in the Northwest
Finally, botanicals for the mucus congestion and the secretion could be used as well as homeopathics for the symptomatology and stimulation of the immune system.
Also ask your doctor about PCHF’s:
Learn more about these natural alternatives
Questions About Otitis Media . . .
Possible Otitis Media Indicators
Actions or symptoms associated with Ear Infection.
Quick onset of symptoms?
Redness of tympanic membrane?
Fever? (mild to 104 degrees)
Pain on swallowing?
Irritability and will not be consoled?
Ear discharge? (may be present or not)
Tugging at ear?
Turn head to and fro?
Serous Otitis Media
Usually chronic.
May not show symptoms.
Tugging at ear?
Shifts head forward and away from suspected ear?
Child hears a popping sound on swallowing?
Child complains of fullness in the ear?
Three or more ear episodes within 6 months?
NOTE: Seek medical attention if there is white or reddish discharge from the ear.