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RECURRENT EAR
INFECTIONS
Prolonged antibiotics or
ventilation tubes rarely cure recurrent ear infections ("otitis
media"). Surgery does allow the middle ear a chance to
drain, and if the only obstacle to relief is that the mucus has
become so thick and "glue-like" it can not be resorbed
or drain, then a "cure" may be achieved with surgical
drainage. Of course, there are many other factors that promote
otitis. Unless these are addressed, the underlying problem will
remain. The analogy is like a fire that has set off a smoke
detector. Surgery only unplugs the fire alarm. Correcting the
causative or contributory factors puts out the fire. My approach
is identify and correct (as possible) any of the contributing
factors:
Allergies –
are important in 85-93% by causing the lining of the eustachian
tube and middle ear to swell and produce more mucus. The result
is stagnant and excessive mucus, which is perfect for bacteria to
overgrow. In one study, 14% had food allergies, 16% had inhaled
allergies, and 70% had both. Skin tests are excellent for
detected allergies to things that are inhaled but are not as
helpful for detecting food allergies. There are many ways to try
to assess food hypersensitivity. Each has limitations. Allergy
skin tests can be helpful when positive but do not include non-IgE
mediated immune reactions to foods or other ingested agents.
Blood tests include methods to detect allergies caused by IgE or
IgG antibodies. Drawing blood is required, they can be expensive,
but have the advantage of having a wider array of foods available
than skin tests. Tests using IgG may help identify foods that
cause delayed reactions but may only indicate recent or recurrent
intake or poor digestion rather than allergic or hypersensitivity
reactions. Other immunologic tests include the ELISA/ACT, Sage,
or AlCat method that reportedly reveals other types of immune
reactions. None of the above procedures identifies foods/items
that cause metabolic reactions without an immune basis. Muscle
tests or other Applied Kinesiology techniques can help but are
dependent on the skill of the tester and are considered
controversial by traditional medical doctors. Electromagnetic and
resistance type tests use a similar basis for finding
intolerances but also depend on the skill of the tester, the
device being used, and are controversial. A diet diary with food
avoidance of "high-risk" foods or by use of defined
rotational diets often provides the most convincing information
and is without any financial expense. Proper food avoidance works
in 92%!
Immunodeficiency
– allow even the weakest of viruses and bacteria to overgrow.
May not always be associated with serious infections.
Re-infection
– repetitive exposure to infectious individuals raises the
risk of infection. Wash your hands!
Gastrointestinal
– as an outgrowth of the embryonic gut, the ears, nose and
sinuses share innervation with the gut. Mucus secretion is a
natural response to gastrointestinal irritation and may involve
the middle ear and eustachian sinuses reflexively
Membrane irritation
– irritants that injure the mucus membrane give microbes an
entryway past the primary defense barrier into vulnerable tissues.
A healthy mucus membrane is key to resisting infection.
Metabolic –
an over-stimulated parasympathetic nervous system may create
congestion & excess mucus.
There are three main goals
in treating otitis in the short run while
the real problem is addressed:
Decrease eustachian tube
congestion to allow the mucus to drain from the middle
ear. A decongestant can be helpful.
Drain the infected mucus.
Leaving mucus will allow the infection to hide from the
antibiotic and allow the bacteria a place to re-grow.
Decongestants and mucus thinners may be required.
Eradicate the infection
itself. Anti-microbials drops (available from our nutritional
pharmacy) that penetrate through the ear drum or prescription
anti-biotics may be required. They never are the entire solution
if the problem is recurrent.
Other supportive measures
include fresh lemon juice drops put into the outer ear can often
provide relief from pain. Since antibiotics also kill good
bacteria in your gut, acidophilus and/or an anti-yeast product is
advised. Nutritional support to fortify the immune system, help
the mucus membranes heal, and fight the infection can prevent
recurrence. Brush down on the opening to your Eustachian tube at
the sides of the back of your throat to promote drainage.
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