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Dr. Cramer's AUTO ACCIDENT & WHIPLASH CENTER * 719-433-0750 * 3803B Palmer Pk Blvd., Colo Springs
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Ear Infections & Chiropractic
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CHIROPRACTIC KIDS ARE HEALTHIER ! Studies show that Children receiving Chiropractic care get less colds,
ear infections, spinal injuries, and have stronger immune systems.
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Ear Infection Ammunition | Ear infections are the #1 reason parents bring their kids to the doctor. They account for about 30 million visits
to the pediatrician and cost more than 2.2 billion dollars annually. And, despite the vast increase of antibiotic use in treatment,
the incidence of Otitis Media (OM), or middle ear infection, has continued to rise. Most cases of
OM occur between 6-36 months of age. It is at 6 months of age that a child begins to eat solid foods and spend less time sucking;
sucking produces cranial motion which helps move fluid out of the middle ear. At this age, children begin to crawl and put
their hands in their mouth as they teethe. In children, the position of the eustachian tube is
almost horizontal, whereas in an adult it lies vertically. The horizontal position makes it difficult for the middle ear to
drain down into the throat. When the tissue lining the middle ear and/or eustachian tube swell, the opening of the Eustachian
tube becomes obstructed, preventing drainage. Fluid builds up and presses on the ear drum, causing it to become red and painful. Fifty percent of the time, an upper respiratory tract infection (URI) will precede the ear infection. When this happens,
lymph tissue in the tonsils, adenoids, and cervical (neck) lymph nodes back up into the middle ear, trapping a large amount
of viral fluid. The fluid stagnates because it can¹t drain, allowing bacteria to proliferate and cause an acute ear infection.
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Symptoms of acute Otitis Media will vary with the age of the child. Children who can¹t yet talk
may pull on their ear or poke a finger into the ear canal. They may have trouble sleeping or refuse to breastfeed on one side.
Older children will complain of ear pain, or a buzzing or ringing in their ears. They may tilt their head to one side. At
any age, they may have a fever or changes in hearing. A purulent discharge from the ear may indicate that the drum has ruptured. Chronic or serous otitis media may cause little pain; there may just be a feeling of fullness in the
ear. Hearing
problems are more likely, however. There are some factors which predispose kids to getting OM.
81 out of 104 children with chronic OM tested positive for food allergy. 70 out of the 81 improved after removing the offending
food(s). Antibiotic overuse alters gut permeability and was found to contribute to food intolerance. Amniocentesis
causes a change in pressure of the amniotic fluid and affects cranial development, as well as birth injury from forceps, vacuum
extraction, traction, or cesarean section. Second-hand smoke depletes vitamin C and causes an increased need for antioxidants
in the child. Babies who are fed in a vertical position (ie. left in the crib with a bottle) cannot drain the eustachian tube
effectively.
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Ninety three percent of children with fetal alcohol syndrome experience OM. Children with cleft palate,
Down¹s syndrome and those of Native American and Eskimo decent are more prone to developing OM because of the way the
cranial bones develop. The New American Medical Association Guidelines for ear infections (JAMA
1991) state that tonsillectomy, antihistamines, and corticosteroids are not recommended. Tympanostomy (tubes) are not recommended,
but may be performed. Antibiotics are not indicated for chronic OM, but may be used for Acute OM. Recent studies have found
that the ear pain usually resolves within three days whether antibiotics are used or not. With the widespread use of antibiotics,
drug resistant strains of bacteria have developed and children will usually have another attack of OM 2-4 weeks after treatment.
Children need to fight the infection with their own immune system in order to be well again.
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So, the best way to help a child who has an ear infection is to boost their immune defenses. The most
logical thing to do is to make sure the child’s Nervous System is properly functioning! The nervous system controls
the Immune System. A chiropractor is the only doctor trained in detecting Subluxations (Nerve interference) – and
the only the doctor trained in removing Subluxations from the Nervous System. The Palmer-Blair doctor is extremely effective
at 1) correcting improperly working nervous systems, and 2) at helping most children at eliminating ear infections! Other
suggestions: Eliminate all refined sugar and dairy products, and reduce high fat foods. Make sure they get lots of fiber
in the form of fruits, vegetables, and grains. A vitamin/mineral supplement may be considered to get adequate vitamins A,
C, E, and B complex ,as well as, zinc and chromium. Essential fatty acids, such as flax oil, help to enhance immunity. Golden
seal is a natural antibiotic; use it with echinacea, an herbal immune system booster.
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