Ear Infections
Ear infections in a child are usually very painful and are often associated with crying, moodiness and tugging at the affected ear. A fever may also be present. Children tend to have ear infections because the tube running between the back of the throat and the ears (Eustachian tube) is more horizontally aligned than an adult’s, which is more vertical. If the Eustachian tube is not draining properly, fluid will accumulate and allow for the cultivation of microorganisms. As the microorganisms reproduce they increase the pressure inside the tube which is painful for the child.
Mucous producing foods such as dairy products and sugars are one of the reasons for poor Eustachian tube drainage. Food allergies are another source of mucous production and inflammation. If the child exclusively craves a certain food, they are often allergic to it.
If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may help. However, repeated courses of antibiotics will promote the overgrowth of fungus in the gut leading to other health problems. Also, the infection may not be bacterial, but fungal in origin, in which case antibiotics will only create more problems.
A parent must differentiate between an ear infection and teething, which may cause jaw pain and muscle tension around the jaw so that the child pulls on their ears. When a true ear infection is present, correcting the uppermost bones of the neck and the bones of the cranium can be beneficial. The misaligned bones place tension on the muscle near the ear and restrict the openings of the Eustachian tube. Also, the child should be well hydrated and kept from sugary foods, refined white flour and dairy products. Finally, they should be checked for food allergies and microorganism infections.
Mucous producing foods such as dairy products and sugars are one of the reasons for poor Eustachian tube drainage. Food allergies are another source of mucous production and inflammation. If the child exclusively craves a certain food, they are often allergic to it.
If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may help. However, repeated courses of antibiotics will promote the overgrowth of fungus in the gut leading to other health problems. Also, the infection may not be bacterial, but fungal in origin, in which case antibiotics will only create more problems.
A parent must differentiate between an ear infection and teething, which may cause jaw pain and muscle tension around the jaw so that the child pulls on their ears. When a true ear infection is present, correcting the uppermost bones of the neck and the bones of the cranium can be beneficial. The misaligned bones place tension on the muscle near the ear and restrict the openings of the Eustachian tube. Also, the child should be well hydrated and kept from sugary foods, refined white flour and dairy products. Finally, they should be checked for food allergies and microorganism infections.