Best Treatments for Ear Infections
-Natural, Nutritional and Conventional-
This protocol offers insights into the best natural and conventional treatments and nutritional management currently available for ear infections.
General observations
Ear infections (acute otitis media) occur primarily in children and consist of inflammation of the middle ear with varied local (pain, redness, pus formation) and systemic (fever, headaches, body aches) symptoms.
Ear infections are diagnosed over 5 million times per year in the United States and there are over 25 million medical visits per year for this diagnosis. (1,2)
Children often have congestion, cough, and other respiratory cold symptoms along with an ear infection.
Both viruses and bacteria are associated with ear infections, however the cause of the illness is likely related to individual circumstances that leave one open to infection (many people are exposed to the same “bugs” but only some become ill).
Complications may include persistent ear fluid, temporary hearing loss, mastoid infection, among others.
Ear infections are the leading reason for antibiotic use which contributes strongly to the difficult rising problem of antibiotic resistance.
Most major medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians (3) now recommend limiting the use of antibiotics in favor of alternative treatment methods.
Natural and Nutritional management
Recent advances in nutritional support:
- Multiple studies support the use of Xylitol in the treatment and prevention of ear infections (4,5) (see listing below).
The following modalities are used in standard allopathic practice:
- Antibiotic treatments (oral and topical)
- Ear tube placement (myringotomy)
- Close observation and pain control
- Modify environment (non-smoking, upright feeding position, etc.)
Additional complementary/alternative treatments:
- Ear Oil™ contains high quality essential oils. These oils can help the natural systems fight against inflammation and pain. 3-5 drops 1-3 times daily, not to be used if ear perforation or drainage.
- Xylitol has been shown in clinical studies to decrease the use of antibiotics and help to prevent ear infections. (4,5) Elderberry-Thyme syrup contains xylitol, in addition to elderberry, thyme, oregano, usnea and other ingredients all shown to be helpful for upper respiratory symptoms including ear infection, congestion, sore throat and cough. Children 1-5 years, ¼- ½ tsp; 5-12 years, 1 tsp; 12 years and older, 1-2 tsp; all one to three times daily. May mix in drink if desired.
- Colloidal silver (Argentum Pentas Colloidum™) has been shown to work against the activities of bacteria, virus, yeast and other microorganisms. Serving size the same as for Elderberry-Thyme.
- Archangelica root has been used in traditional medicine to help support drainage and proper function of the lymphatic system which can be helpful in all respiratory illnesses. Angelica Forte™ oil can be applied topically 1-3 times daily behind the ears, to the chest, and massaging the feet.
- Home care treatments include onion or chamomile warm ear packs (click link for details).
Conventional medical recommendations
- Possible use of antibiotic therapy or close observation may be utilized
- Low-dose antibiotics have been used in an attempt to prevent chronic and recurrent ear infections although the effectiveness and benefits have been strongly questioned
- Ear tubes have been used for chronic ear fluid/infection and frequent recurrent infections
- Always consult your health care provider for accurate diagnosis and careful monitoring for complications and full resolution of symptoms.
For other treatment protocols, click here.
References:
1. Hendly JO. Clinical practice. Otitis media. N Engl J Med 2002;347:1169-74
2. Anderson JR, Madans JH, Feldman JJ, et al. Vital and health statistics advance data from vital and health statistics numbers 211-220. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1995; Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_16/sr16_022.pdf . Accessed November 17, 2007.
5. Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Koskela M, Niemela M. Xylitol chewing gum in prevention of acute otitis media: double-blind, randomized trial. BMJ 1996;313:1180-4.
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