Chiropractic & Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons that parents take their young ones to see a pediatrician. Here is what you need to know about re-occuring ear infections & the role of chiropractic care in their treatment & prevention.
Causes
An ear infection is inflammation of the middle ear that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. It can be either caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, although the majority are bacterial infections that spread from having a cold, sore throat or other respiratory infection.
The reason infants and children get ear infections more frequently than adults is because of the anatomical difference in the way their eustachian tubes are angled. The eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects the upper part of the throat to the middle ear. One of its jobs is to drain fluid from the ear. In infants and children the eustachian tubes are smaller and more level. In adults they are larger and more angled, which helps them drain fluid more effectively.
Another reason children get ear infections more frequently is because their immune systems are still developing and not as strong as adults.
The Downsides of “Standard Treatment”
Typically a medical doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat an ear infection. This can be problematic for several reasons. First, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones, so you need to make sure you are addressing the correct source of infection.
Second, antibiotics kill ALL bacteria, not just the bacteria that is causing the infection. This can be extremely harmful to the good bacteria in the child’s system and is often detrimental to the child’s overall gut health. Every time antibiotics are introduced to the body the gut microbiome is affected. This is actually COUNTERPRODUCTIVE in the long run due to the integral role that gut flora plays in immune system regulation. The healthier and more robust the gut biome is, the healthier and more robust the person is.
Third, repetitive use of antibiotics can create antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. This leads to further illness and more difficulty treating it in the future. In a recent study by the NIH titled “Impact of Antibiotics on the Human Microbiome and Consequences for Host Health”, the authors warn that “antibiotic resistance is a global crisis and the increased use of antibiotics over time warrants investigation into its effects on microbiota and health.” The summary of this study, and many others, is that over-use of antibiotics has damaging effects on the gut microbiome and promotes antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria to develop and flourish.
Antibiotics can be helpful in some situations, but keep in mind that they do not address the root cause of the issue. Which leads me to…
How Chiropractic Can Help
Remember that an ear infection results from the eustachian tube not draining fluid properly. Assessing and addressing cranial imbalances with certain chiropractic techniques can provide significant improvement in the ability of these fluids to move through. Correcting misalignment in the upper cervical region (upper neck) is also key in restoring proper function to the area, both structurally as well as neurologically.
Additionally, regular chiropractic care provides support for the immune system. In babies, children and adults alike, getting adjusted regularly enhances the ability of the immune system to act quickly and effectively when presented with a challenge. This decreases the chances of a cold or sore throat turning into an ear infection.
The Benefits & Efficiency of Chiropractic Care
A study by the NIH titled, “Ear infection: a retrospective study examining improvement from chiropractic care and analyzing for influencing factors” found that of 46 children under the age of 5, 93% of all episodes improved, 75% in 10 days or fewer and 43% with only one or two treatments.
More studies need to be done, but chiropractors and parents around the globe can attest to the effectiveness of chiropractic care in aiding with ear infections. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to keep your child healthy and set them up for success later in life.