Guide for Ear Infections - Earaches - Otitis Media


Nutritional Supplements, Herbal Treatment and Homeopathic Remedies for Ear Infections and Ear Aches

Otitis media is an earache, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This inflammation often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other respiratory or breathing problems spread to the middle ear. These can be viral or bacterial infections. Seventy-five percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday. Almost half of these children will have three or more ear infections during their first 3 years.

Many American physicians recommend the use of an antibiotic when there is an active middle ear infection. Most physicians will have the child return for a follow up examination to see if the infection has cleared.

A report in the British Medical Journal, in 1997, concluded that the benefit of routine antimicrobials use for otitis media, judged by either short or long-term outcomes is unproven. Existing research offers no compelling evidence that children with acute otitis meadia routinely given antimicrobials have a shorter durations of symptoms, fewer recurrences or better long-term outcomes than those who do not receive them.

 Two or three drops of olive oil may be used for ear discomfort, as long as there is no ear discharge present. Give the child a pain-relieving tablet.

Leading medical groups are recommending that doctors stop treating most ear infections in children with antibiotics, according to federal health officials.

About half of all antibiotics prescribed to preschool children are for treating ear infections. Health officials believe if they can reduce child antibiotic use for such earaches, they can stop the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs created by overuse of the drugs.