Ear Infections

You may consider ear infections to be just a normal part of childhood, but this not necessarily the case. Repeated ear infections may indicate a problem with dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of the normal bacteria that resides in the body and overgrowth of problematic bacteria. They may also point toward chronic allergies and the subsequent sinus drainage down the throat which causes the eustacian tubes to stop draining.

In my experience, only occasionally is an ear infection actually caused by a bacterial infection. More commonly it is from a virus, which do not respond to antibiotics. And just because a child’s ear hurts, it does not mean they necessarily have an ear infection. I have found that the most common cause of middle ear pain in children is actually from fluid that is unable to drain normally through the eustacian tube due to a sore throat. This pain can be severe and does not respond well to over-the-counter pain medications since it is due to a very tight ear drum.

If the ear pain is due to a blocked eustacian tube from a viral sore throat (viral pharyngitis), then gargling warm salt water may help. Herbs and vitamins with anti-viral properties may help as well. Obviously if the cause of the sore throat is allergies, then the focus should shift towards alleviating the allergies. This can be done acutely through certain herbal supplements such as quercetin. Environmental allergies can also be addressed longterm through a treatment called Low Dose Antigen.

Repeated bacterial ear infections may indicate dysbiosis in the ear and throat and can be treated using antibiotics or a direct ozone application. Streptococcus salivarius K12 is a probiotic which has shown to bring the normal flora bacteria into balance and decrease the frequency and severity of ear infections when taken daily. (It also shows a strong action against pharyngitis and cavities in the teeth.)

In summary, ear infections do not have to be a part of childhood. There are several options available for treatment depending on the cause.

• Fatigue
• Viruses EBV
• Inadequate sleep
• Depression/anxiety
• Adrenal fatigue
• Thyroid
• Poor nutrition