Ear problems can be extremely painful, especially in children. Millions of children visit doctors for ear infections (otitis media) each year. It accounts for more than 35 percent of all pediatric visits. Ear infections also happen to be the most common reason why kids are prescribed antibiotics. Yet, new studies suggest these drugs do virtually nothing to help most kids recover faster.

Almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection before they're a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had at least on such infection by age 3. Otitis media can be either bacterial or viral in origin, and frequently results from another illness, such as a cold. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment year after year.

Standard treatment for most cases of otitis media consists of antibiotics. According to many research studies, antibiotics are often not much more effective than the body's own immune system. Frequent ear infections are also the second most common reason for surgery in children under 2. Ear tubes are used when fluids from an ear infection haven't cleared from the ear after several months. The tube relieves pressure in the ear and prevents repeated fluid buildup.

Before turning to antibiotics or drastic surgery, more parents are considering chiropractic to help children with ear infections. When the spine is misaligned, it affects the normal draining of the Eustachian tubes. Stagnate water left in the ears provides a breeding ground for bacterial growth. A gentle chiropractic adjustment releases the pressure on the tubes, allowing normal drainage to occur and reducing the incidence of ear infections.

A study consisting of 46 children age 5 and younger with ear infections who were treated with chiropractic care showed 93 percent of all episodes improved, 75 percent in 10 days or fewer and 43 percent with only one or two treatments. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996 Mar-Apr;19(3):169-77.)

Chiropractic is safe and effective and something that parents should try, certainly before inserting tubes in their children's ears.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at [email protected].