Few things are as unnerving to a caring parent as seeing their child suffer from a painful earache. Most if not all parents will rush their child to the pediatrician and have them placed on antibiotics. Is this the right thing to do? What caused the earache in the first place? Is there something that can be done naturally that’s effective? Let’s answer each question in order.

The latest American Pediatric Association guidelines are as follows:

less than six months old-prescribe antibiotics

6 months to 2 years old-prescribe antibiotics if severe symptoms or fever above 102.2

above 2 years old-observe for 48-72 hours and give pain relievers such as children’s Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If symptoms worsen the pediatrician may then prescribe antibiotics. However, many times the earache will resolve by itself.

Earache Causes:

Food sensitivities to wheat/gluten, dairy, sugar, corn are a very common cause of earaches, especially if they are reoccurring.

Too much fruit juice, especially in infants, is another source of sugar, which allows a bacteria-friendly environment.

Spinal misalignments in the neck can cause the ears not to drain properly allowing fluid accumulation.

Natural Solutions:

If food allergies/sensitivities are the problem, simple noninvasive techniques such as Nutrition Response Testing SM can easily identify the offending foods. These foods would be eliminated from the diet, greatly decreasing the frequency and severity of the earaches.

If spinal misalignments are to blame, then gentle chiropractic adjustments can be given which many times will give immediate relief. Then a series of treatments may be recommended to correct the underlying imbalances.

Finally, do not allow infants to be bottle fed while lying down due to possible fluid accumulation in the ears. Also avoid all forms of second hand smoke as studies show this increases the risk of ear problems and asthma in children.

Always remember – if the cause is addressed, the body is designed to heal itself.

Dr. Brian Walsh is the owner of CARE Chiropractic & Wellness Center located at 1938 Dairy Road, in W. Melbourne. The Wellness Center offers holistic services for the whole family including Nutrition Response TestingSM, Chiropractic care and therapies, and free health talks. For more information call 321-728-1387, or visit www.drwalshcares.com.