Almost half of all children will suffer from at least one middle ear infection (otitis media) before they’re a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had at least one episode by age three. The symptoms of otits media include ear pain, fever, and irritability. If you look into the ear of a child who has otitis media, you will be able to see a buildup of fluid behind the ear drum, and the inside of the ear will appear inflamed. Otitis media is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and frequently results from another illness such as a cold. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment year after year, and putting the child at risk of permanent hearing damage and associated speech and developmental problems.

Unfortunately, the current treatment of choice for medical doctors is to prescribe oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin, which according to many research studies is not much more effective than the body’s own immune system. Repeated doses of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria and damage to your child’s immune system, digestive system as well as the kidneys and liver which are used to detoxify the body.

Most people have heard about the common practice of placing ‘tubes in the ears’ to relieve the pressure, and therefore pain, of otitis media. During this surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the eardrum and a small tube is placed in the opening which allows any fluid in the ear to drain. Although this procedure may be a source of temporary relieve for your child it does not address the underlying cause of the problem and may have very serious side effects. Just like any other surgery the development of scar tissue at the site of incision will occur. In this case directly over the surface of the ear drum which can lead to a decrease in your child’s ability to hear properly.

If your child experiences recurrent ear infections, it is important that you talk to your chiropractor. By restoring the normaly function of the nervous system you can in effect improve the function of your childs immune system which of course is responsible for fighting all types of disease. Countless children have been helped through this painless, noninvasive form of care. By restoring proper function to the nervous system you body has the ability to fight off these infections more effectively and usually permanently. Quite commonly the ear infection that a child comes to us with is his/her last one !