Overcoming Ear Infections

What causes a chronic ear infection?

Chronic ear infections are due to the consistent buildup of fluid in the eustachian tube which creates repeated pain and pressure. When your nervous system is not functioning optimally, especially in the area that supports your ENT it can create inefficient drainage of fluid. When there is poor drainage of the excess fluid, the body can’t expel the built up viruses and bacteria efficiently. 

Why do kids get more ear infections than adults?

Children are more prone to ear infections compared to adults due to several anatomical and physiological factors:

1. Eustachian Tube Structure: In children, the Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat) are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults. This anatomy makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to travel from the throat to the middle ear, leading to infections.
2. Immature Immune Systems: Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections, including those affecting the ear.
3. Teething: As kiddos navigate teething they are producing extra mucus with antibodies to protect from infection due to the open areas in the gum when teeth come in. If the kiddos aren’t properly draining that extra fluid stays stagnant in the eustachian tube and can become infected. 
4. Adenoids: Children have larger adenoids compared to adults. When swollen due to infections or allergies, adenoids can block the Eustachian tubes, impairing drainage from the middle ear and increasing the risk of infection.
5. Smaller Anatomy: The size of a child’s ear canal and middle ear cavity is smaller than that of an adult, which can contribute to difficulties in drainage and ventilation, promoting infection.

These factors collectively contribute to the higher incidence of ear infections in children compared to adults. As children grow older, their Eustachian tubes become more vertical and their immune systems mature, reducing the frequency of ear infections.

How Can Chiropractic help?

While often modern medicine’s first approach is antibiotics, it is often ineffective due to the majority of chronic ear infections being viral (80%). Chiropractic care allows us to address the root cause of the ear infection by removing the subluxation and reducing the nerve and muscular tension in the upper cervical region. This helps to restore balance back into the nervous system and allows the fluid to drain easier, which allows the body to clear out infections much faster! 

SLC Approved natural Ear Infection Remedies:

Mullein Garlic Oil Drops 

Hydrocoidall silver drops

Basil roller (ear infection roller)

Practice Members, don’t forget to grab these products next time you’re in the office!

You can also grab these products at our Amazon Storefront!

If you have a little struggling with ear infections, invest in your child’s nervous system health with Serving Life Chiropractic!

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline for Acute Otitis Media 2013: This guideline discusses the epidemiology and management of acute otitis media, highlighting the predominance of viral causes in ear infections.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Ear Infections: The CDC provides information on ear infections, including the viral etiology of most cases of acute otitis media.