By Dr. Joey Shulman D.C., RNCP

Acute otitis media (AOM), or an ear infection, is the most common complaint pediatricians face. It is estimated that by age six, 95% of children will suffer from at least one ear infection. In fact, in North America, 25 million children visit the doctor annually with an ear infection.

Acute otitis media is caused by an inflammation of the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasal cavity and throat by a small tube called the eustachian tube. If the eustachian becomes blocked due to a cold, allergy or upper respiratory infection, fluid can build up behind the ear. When fluid builds up in the middle ear, an infection can develop. Children under the age of six are more likely than older children or adults to develop middle ear infections because their eustachian tubes are more horizontal, making drainage of fluids more difficult. Common signs and symptoms of ear infections are:

• Crying and irritability
• Difficulty hearing
• Ear drainage
• Fever
• Pain
• Tugging on earlobe

Ear infections should not be taken lightly as they are the most common cause of hearing loss in a child. If you suspect your child may be suffering from an ear infection, please consult your primary health care practitioner.

There are various causes that can predispose a child to AOM. It is critical to get to the root of the problem to prevent further occurrences. Food allergies are one of the most common causes of AOM in children. Of all the potentially allergic foods, dairy is the most common. A food allergy causes nasal congestion and congestion in the eustachian tubes. This buildup allows fluid to collect in the middle ear, which can lead to infection.

If your child does experience ear infections and you suspect he or she may be allergic to dairy, remove all dairy products (milk, cheese, formula, etc.) from his or her diet for a minimum of one month. Substitute soy and rice milk products. Where breast-fed infants suffer from ear infections, it is important that the mother stop consuming dairy as it will be passed on to the child. Other clues that your child may be allergic to dairy are:

• Constant runny nose
• Constipation
• Dark circles under eyes
• Eczema
• Flushed face
• Frequent diarrhea
• Spitting up