The Healthy Parenting Blog

Last month, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Assoc) published yet another study showing that ear infections, if left alone will go away without antibiotics.  Add that to the American Academy of Pediatric’s stand that 80% of those ear infections will disappear on their own if left untreated by antibiotics.

So why are doctors still regularly prescribing antibiotics for ear infections?  The answer is because their patients don’t know any better.  We need to help educate our parent friends of the risks of antibiotics for ear infections. Its only when they are assured of their children’s safety that a change will happen.

More on this issue; http://www.webmd.com/content/article/127/116676.htm

A compilation of the studies showing antibiotic use for ear infections is not necessary as well as other risks of continued use;  http://www.icpa4kids.org/research/children/antibiotics.htm

There are a number of natural alternative remedies that can be used for ear infections.  The main concern to me is dealing with any pain my child might be experiencing.  We dealt with numerous ear infections and fluid in the ear until my son was diagnosed with food allergies.

We used a hot water bottle (surrounded by a soft fuzzy bear) for those times when pain was an issue. We also had a bottle of garlic/mullein oil which you can find at any health food store.  The one we purchase is by Herbs for Kids.  Garlic/mullein are a natural antibiotic working to resolve the infection.  The oil can be warmed as well (sit the bottle in a glass of hot water) which can help soothe pain.  We also use homeopathy for fluid.  Euphrasia, which is the homeopathic version of eyebright, helps tremendously to eliminate excess fluids that cause all this trouble.  We used it after each cold and when we were dealing with ear infections.  There are other remedies that can be used depending upon the symptoms shown.  A quick google will help!