Francine Ball, L.Ac.

Treatment of Childhood Ear Infections & Other Illnesses Without Antibiotics

Many children suffer from repeated ear infections, acute respiratory infections and chronic runny noses almost from birth. While children develop their immune systems, they are bombarded with colds, viruses & flus from other children.

In terms of chronic ear infections, the Eustachian tubes (the narrow tube between the middle ear and the pharynx that equalizes air pressure on both sides of the ear drum) of infants are shorter, straighter and wider than in older children. The shape of the tube allows bacteria to travel more easily from the nasal passages to the middle ear causing infection.  Once an infant has an ear infection, they are very susceptible to developing repeated infections.

By age 4, most child's have fewer ear infections. However, some children are plagued with them well into their pre-teen years.  I have successfully treated acute and chronic ear infections in children of all ages, from infancy to teen, with Chinese Herbal Medicine.  For examples of some of my patients, read my blog.

When my child gets a cold, flu or virus and then develops an ear infection, are antibiotics my only option?

No,  Chinese Herbal medicine is an effective alternative to antibiotics for treating ear infections.  Herbal formulas can also treat viruses, coughs, colds and sore throats.

Antibiotics are sometimes the most appropriate treatment for some types of bacterial infections. However, many infections are viral in origin, rather than bacterial. Antibiotics are ineffective in the treatment of viral ear infections. However, Chinese herbs can treat both viral and bacterial ear infections.  In the past, antibiotics were routinely prescribed for all types of ear infections leading to the widespread overuse of antibiotics.

Even when an antibiotic effectively resolves an ear infection, there is often fluid remaining in the Eustachian tube. This fluid can serve as a reservoir and breeding ground for a secondary infection, requiring yet another course of medication. Numerous courses of antibiotics end up being prescribed for what was originally a viral infection.

Studies have shown repeated use of antibiotics  are a problem in and of themselves, leading to antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria in the general population.   They also weaken the immune system leading to increased susceptibility to further illnesses. Children who are given frequent courses of antibiotics or are on antibiotics for prolonged periods of time often develop frequent colds, poor appetites, weight loss, lack of energy, and pale lusterless complexions. In Chinese Medicine, these symptoms indicate that the antibiotics have weakened the digestive system and protective energy (Qi) of the body.

How is treatment with Chinese Medicine different than antibiotics?
Special . After an infection is over, herbs are continued to make sure there is no lingering fluid or infection.

Are there side effects to the herbs?
Chinese Medicinal herbs can be safely used for babies and children of any age. There are virtually no side effects to the herbs.  Each formula is made individually taking into account the nature of the illness, the length of the illness, and the child's health condition.  Diagnosis is made in the traditional method of Chinese Medicine, using the pulse and tongue.

When should treatment be started?
Treatment can begin at any point. Often, the best time to begin treatment is before an infection begins. Herbs to strengthen the body's Qi, or energy, can help the poor appetite and other symptoms caused by repeated infections and antibiotic use. By strengthening the Qi, a child is less susceptible to further colds, flus, and ear infections.

If a child does catch a cold, different herbs are prescribed to prevent an ear infection from developing. Herbal formulas are tailored to meet each child's unique health condition. Two children, both of whom have ear infections would receive somewhat different herbal formulas depending upon their particular symptoms, the stage of the illness, and the health history of each child.

Antibiotics have a definite place on the treatment of bacterial infections. However, constant or repeated use of antibiotics can be avoided by using Chinese herbal Medicine to prevent, as well as treat, ear infections when they do occur.

Wondering if Traditional Chinese Medicine might help your child?  Please contact my office.  I would be happy to discuss it with you.  Phone 925 9334848 or contact me at francine @ francineball.com