Healing and Preventing Ear Infections
Understanding Ear Infections
Any sort of ear problem, especially with a child, can be extremely painful. There are millions of cases each year where a patient will present the symptoms of otitis media, or an ear infection. This happens to be the most common illness that will impact both babies and young children, being the top reason for pediatric visits, accounting for 35% of all visits.
Statistics and Symptoms
Looking at statistics, roughly half of all children will develop at least one infection of their middle ear prior to reaching age one. Two-thirds of these children will have an infection of their ear by the age of three.
The symptoms that can come along with an ear infection usually include:
Pain in the ear
Fever
Irritability
The ear infection can either be viral or bacterial and normally results from some other illness, such as a cold. For many children, ear infections can turn into a chronic issue requiring repeated treatment. Unfortunately, repeated infections in the ear can lead to permanent hearing damage, as well as speech and developmental issues.
Standard Treatment Options
The standard treatment for an ear infection usually involves antibiotics. However, research studies have shown that antibiotics may not always be more effective than the natural immune system in the body. Repeated doses of antibiotics could lead to resistance, causing the bacteria to cause more pain and illness.
Surgical Intervention
If a child experiences severe and recurring ear infections over time, surgery may be considered. This typically involves placing ear tubes through a small opening made in each ear drum under general anesthesia. The tubes help relieve pressure and prevent fluid buildup. Over time, the membrane often pushes the tube out, and the hole in the ear drum closes. In some cases, the surgery may need to be repeated. Depending on the child’s condition, removal of the adenoids might also be recommended to prevent future infections.
Exploring Alternative Treatments
Before resorting to another round of antibiotics, families are exploring natural, less invasive treatments for earaches and other childhood illnesses. Chiropractic care is gaining popularity as a preventative measure and treatment option. Chiropractic treatment helps mobilize drainage in the ear, allowing the body’s immune system to clear infections and reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Ear Infection Treatment in Gilbert, AZ
For more information and to find the best Children’s Chiropractic Wellness Center, call 480-525-7841 to schedule a free consultation. The doctors at Foresight Chiropractic are Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal, upper cervical chiropractors providing precise and very gentle care – no popping or cracking!