The pain of 'earache' results from inflammation and swelling of the structures that make up the ear. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. While there are different types of ear infections, the most common is called otitis media, which means an inflammation and infection of the middle ear (generally the Eustachian tube). Another common infection is Otitis externa which causes itching, redness, pain and hearing loss is a condition of the outer ear canal, and is often referred to as Swimmer's ear. Please refer to that page for more information.
Ear pain (infection) is generally caused by either a viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear. Infants may not be able to communicate their ear pain and can become fussy and irritable. An ear infection can cause temporary loss of hearing, ringing or buzzing in the ear. A medical test will tell you that ear infection often follows a cold or upper respiratory tract infection that causes inflammation of the Eustachian tube and prevents normal fluid drainage from the middle ear. The Eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains fluid normally made in the middle ear. If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked for any reason, fluid can build up, and this can lead to infection. Ear infections are more common in infants and children, because the Eustachian tubes become more easily clogged.
So why do some people (kids) keep getting ear infections while others never seem to have a problem? First of all, breast fed babies rarely get ear infections. In part it is because the sucking action helps keep the ears draining properly. But the #1 reason for ear infections and the need for tubes in the ears is a dairy allergy! This is a well known fact among holistic Pediatricians. Nearly 90% of ear issues are caused by an allergy to dairy. But the deeper question is why the body is allowing the Eustachian ear to inflame, why is it not draining fluid properly? The answer is the allergy. The reaction to the allergen causes inflammation of the internal ear and as germs find their way there, the body is unable to fight them off without causing secondary infections.
The most common secondary allergy that causes ear problems is corn. If you have a baby that is breast fed and still having issues, consider the mother's consumption of dairy and corn. Even though ear infections are thought to occur most often after colds and respiratory infections, why is the child getting those to start with? Once again, the immune system may be compromised with the dairy or corn. If you suspect corn as the allergen, the mother is probably very deficient in B vitamins.
Ear aches are often attributed to bottle feeding or use of sippy cups while the child is lying flat rather than reclined. Most of these cases are when the baby is drinking formula of some kind. This is why the remedy of choice for ear ache is the Allergy Remedy. I suggested the Kidney Support in addition to Ear support because the energy of the Kidney must be depleted for ear conditions to occur. The reason I suggest the Enzyme Complex is because the deeper cause of an Allergy is lack of digestion, so you need to get that working better.
Mother's milk is the best milk for a baby. There are rare cases where a mother is very sick or toxic and the milk is not very healthy for the baby. In these cases, of if a mother cannot breast feed, goat milk is the second best option. Raw, fresh (properly strained) unpasteurized goat milk is the best. If you have concerns about using the milk raw, put a few drops of colloidal silver in it to "disinfect" it. If you cannot find it locally and raw, canned goat milk is a good alternative. However purchase raw if that is an option in your area.
Other reasons for ear infections:
- A sinus infection can cause some ear pain.
- Teething and infection in the teeth can cause ear pain.
- Being sick with a cold (stopped up ears) can cause some ear pain.
- Objects lodged in the ear, perhaps food or a piece of a toy?
- Infection in the adenoids or tonsils.
WARNING: Sudden drainage of yellow or green fluid from the ear may mean a ruptured eardrum and you may want to seek professional help. If the ear pain includes fever, vomiting or diarrhea, or you see any blood in the ear, please seek medical attention.
HOME REMEDY: For pain in the ear, put a drop of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ear. This can be done with any child over 6 months of age. The fizzy noise often scares small children, but it should not cause any pain. This will help to neutralize the germ causing the infection. If the pain continues after 5 minutes, put a ¼ - ½ cup of regular salt in a cotton sock. Heat the sock and salt in the oven or microwave so it is nice and warm, but not hot enough to burn the skin. Lay the ear that hurts on the sock with the salt in it. This is an almost magical remedy!