Children's immune systems aren't fully developed until the age of seven. Therefore, they have more trouble fighting infections. Young children and infants are unaware of germs and aren’t diligent about washing hands. They also tend to put their mouths on anything. If their sinuses are congested, they can’t blow their noses properly. Teaching children proper hygiene techniques: such as how to blow their nose, wash hands with warm soap and water for several seconds, not to share food with others or put foreign objects into their mouths will help alleviate some sickness. At the first sign of a cold and during the cold/flu season, boost your child’s immune system by including herbs such as: Echinacea, Astragalus, Pau d’arco, Elder flowers and berries, increase their vitamin c and antioxidant intake, and include probiotics (beneficial bacteria that will help boost the immune system).
Another reason children are prone to ear infections involves blocked Eustachian tubes (small passages that connect from the middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nose). Children’s Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower and more horizontal than those of adults are. This allows bacteria and viruses that enter the mouth to migrate from the back of the throat and enter the Eustachian tubes, eventually finding their way into the middle ear leading to an infection. Allergies can also cause swelling of the tissues in the throat and Eustachian tubes, causing blockage.
The adenoids, which are gland-like structures located in the back of the upper throat near the Eustachian tubes, are large in children and can interfere with the opening of the Eustachian tubes. Adenoids also will swell if your child has allergies.
The most common conventional form of treatment involves antibiotics, which is often not the best solution. Antibiotics won’t help an infection caused by a virus. They will not eliminate middle ear fluid build-up. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to someone becoming antibiotic-resistant to bacteria, which means antibiotics are ineffective when we really need them. In addition, antibiotics harm our natural intestinal flora, often creating an overgrowth of Candida (see Candida) causing yeast and fungal infections.
Natural health practitioners and even many conventional doctors encourage trying some natural remedies before jumping into a course of antibiotics. Chiropractic care can help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing for better drainage. Using good quality ear oil drops made with garlic will help kill bacteria and fight infection. Boosting the immune system with some of the all natural health supplements listed below will also help.
Some research has also shown a lack of essential fatty acids especially EPA in the diet and lack of vitamin A make a child more prone to ear infections. Supplementing with cod liver oils or any omega oils would be helpful.
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