Antibiotics: In conventional medicine, antibiotics are the standard treatment for middle ear infections. Unfortunately, this treatment may not be as effective as once thought. If the infection is viral in origin, an antibiotic will have no effect. If the ear infection is bacterial, an antibiotic will wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad, leaving a child’s immune system in a weakened state. Current research shows that overuse of antibiotics may even increase the likelihood of future ear infections. In addition, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is creating antibiotics resistance or “super bugs”.
Natural approaches to ear infections
Detecting and eliminating food allergies: Dairy is the primary cause of chronic ear infections. Other foods that may trigger a reaction are soy, wheat, citrus, chocolate and eggs. Eliminate the suspected food for a minimum of one month and see if your child’s condition improves.
Breast milk: Mother’s milk jump-starts an infant’s immune system by providing protective antibodies. Research clearly shows that children who are breast fed experience fewer allergies, ear infections, rashes and diarrhea and have lower rates of hospital admissions.
