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DESCRIPTION
It has been estimated that as many as 95 percent of all children have at least one ear infection by the age of 6 or 7 years old and 75 percent of all children suffer from some type of ear infection by the age of 3 years. Most ear infections occur in babies from 6 months to 3 years of age. Ear infections are more common in males, Native Americans, Alaskan and Canadian Inuits, and Australians. Middle ear infections are not very common in adults. There are several different types of ear infections.
EXTERNAL OTITIS (Outer Ear Infection aka Swimmer's Ear) is an acute infection that is usually preceded by an upper respiratory infection or allergies, most commonly dairy products. The ear canal, extending from the eardrum to the outside, becomes inflamed and swollen. Symptoms can include slight fever, discharge from the ear, and pain, often severe and throbbing, that worsens when the earlobe is touched or pulled. Impacted wax that traps water in the ear canal is often the culprit.
OTITIS MEDIA (Middle Ear Infection) are acute infections that are very common in infants and children. The site of this infection is behind the eardrum, where the small bones of the ear are located. The reason why this is so common in young children is because they have shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes, which are more easily blocked than those of older children and adults.
PERFORATION OF THE EARDRUM
A severe middle ear infection can cause perforation of the eardrum. If this happens, it can actually cause a sudden reduction in pain. This is because the pain of an ear infection results when pressure builds up in restricted spaces; this pressure on sensitive nerve endings causes pain. A perforated eardrum results in hearing loss and a discharge of bloody fluid from the ear. The infection clears after the eardrum ruptures usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks.
EAR INFECTION FREQUENCY & CAUSES
Frequent middle ear infections, or recurrent otitis media, affect 30% or more of children under the age of 6. This is the most frequent diagnosis in clinical medical practice. A variety of different bacteria and viruses can cause middle ear infections. Otitis media occurs frequently along with a cold or other upper respiratory infections during the winter months. During a cold, sinus or throat infection, or an allergy attack, the eustachian tubes can become blocked, preventing ventilation and drainage of fluids from the middle ear. During an upper respiratory infection, the eustachian tubes swells and becomes blocked. Fluid builds up in the middle ear, which is normally air-filled, and the built-up fluids provides an environment for bacteria or viruses, or sometimes both, to multiply and cause infection. An estimated 59 to 75 percent of all ear infections are caused by bacteria. About 41 percent were caused by viruses. Pus develops as the body tries to fight the infection. More fluid accumulates and pushes against the eardrum, causing pain and sometimes a loss of hearing. Fever generally lasts about 1 to 2 days; pain and crying usually last for 3 to 4 hours. After that most children have some pain on and off for up to 4 days, although young children may have intermittent pain for up to 9 days.
One of the leading causes of ear infection in children is a bacterium called Branhamella catarrhalis (B-cat). Other common bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Among the viruses, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause, followed by influenza (flu) viruses, and other viruses that cause upper respiratory infections.
Another cause of frequent ear infections in childhood is food allergies. Introduce new foods to your baby or young child, one at a time to be watchful for food sensitivities or allergies.
Treating children with antibiotics can lessen how long these symptoms last by about one day. However, if antibiotics are not used, about 80% of the time the immune system is able to fend off infection and resolve the ear infection. However, most health care providers choose to treat all ear infections in children age 2 or younger to prevent complications. High altitudes and cold temperatures increases discomfort and can worsen an infection.
Otitis media with effusion is a buildup of fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum without symptoms of infection. This is also called "glue ear" and commonly follows an ear infection, although it can occur without prior infection. When the eustachian tube is blocked by swelling from an upper respiratory infection or an allergy attack, air cannot reach the middle ear. This creates a vacuum and suction, which pulls fluid into the middle ear. The blockage prevents this fluid and other fluids, such as mucus, from draining out of the middle ear. The fluid builds up in the middle ear (called effusion). If that fluid becomes infected with bacteria, then an acute middle ear infection results. Children with otitis media with effusion may have a feeling of stuffiness in their ears and may not hear well. Hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid behind the eardrum clears. Most children who have ear infections still have some fluid (which may not be infected) behind the eardrum 2 weeks after treatment for an ear infection. This is considered normal. In about 60% of cases, the effusion clears in 1 month. However, about 10% of children still have fluid behind the eardrum 3 months after an ear infection occurs.
Most experts recommend tubes for young children with otitis media with effusion for 3 months who also have related hearing loss. The tubes, surgically inserted through their eardrums, drain built-up fluid in the middle ear and improve hearing. The decision to insert tubes for other reasons, including the treatment of recurrent acute ear infections, is less clear-cut.
Repeated ear infections or persistent fluid behind the eardrum rarely causes permanent hearing loss but often causes temporary hearing loss. Hearing loss is of greatest concern for young children because normal hearing is critical in developing basic speech and language skills.
Worldwide, experts are rethinking the treatment of ear infections, because the vast majority of ear infections resolve on their own and because the growing number of bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics. In the United States, where antibiotics were once the standard treatment for ear infections, some health care providers are now taking more of a wait-and-see approach. In some European countries, antibiotics are not prescribed routinely for simple ear infections. This precaution has led to significantly fewer strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria than are seen elsewhere. Many health care providers feel that the efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance outweigh the uncertain risk of a child possibly developing a complication.
SYMPTOMS
OUTER EAR INFECTION
The ear canal, extending from the eardrum to the outside - External Otitis (outer ear infection) symptoms include:
- Slight fever.
- Discharge from the ear.
- Pain, often sharp, severe and throbbing, that worsens when the earlobe is touched or pulled.
MIDDLE EAR INFECTION
Middle ear infections are very common in infants and children. The site of this infection is behind the eardrum, where the small bones of the ear are located. Air pressure is regulated in this area by the eustachian or auditory tube, which runs from the ear to the back of the nasal cavity. If bacteria or viruses get into this space, the area becomes inflamed and fluid starts to build up, causing the sensation of pressure. Unfortunately, in small children, the eustachian tubes run almost horizontally rather than slopping downward. This allows fluids to build up and lie stagnant, giving bacteria an ideal place to grow, rather than draining out.
Symptoms of an acute middle ear infection (Acute Otitis Media) usually begin 2 to 7 days after a cold or other upper respiratory infection. Signs and symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Ear pain (may be severe, sharp, dull, or throbbing pain).
- A feeling of fullness and pressure in the ear.
- Fever as high as 103°F or higher.
- Babies and children often pull or tug at their ears when they have a earache in an attempt to relieve the pressure.
- When the fluid in the middle ear builds up, the eardrum may rupture. Once it ruptures, the fluid drains, the pain usually stops, and the hole in the eardrum heals by itself in a few weeks.
- Drainage from the ear that is thick yellow but not like ear wax. It may also contain blood, which indicates the eardrum has ruptured.
- Irritability, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Possible loss of hearing.
Symptoms of otitis media with effusion may include:
- Popping, ringing, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
- Loss of hearing.
- Children with hearing loss may seem dreamy or inattentive, or they may be irritable and have behavior problems.
- Some children do not have any symptoms with this condition.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications from ear infections are rare, but they can develop. Some of these complications include:
Hearing loss. Hearing loss is usually mild to moderate and usually temporary. Permanent hearing loss is rare. However, babies and children younger than 2 years of age may have problems learning to talk and understand speech if they have repeated ear infections. Rupture of the eardrum. If fluid continues to build up in the middle ear, the eardrum may burst. This leaves a small hole that generally heals within 2 weeks.
If there are repeated infections, growth of scar tissue in the ear (cholesteatoma). If the tissue grows large enough, it can block the middle ear and affect hearing. Surgery is necessary to remove the growth. Destruction of the tiny bones in the middle ear.
Rare complications include infection in the bone that is located behind the ear (mastoiditis). Infection in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). These complications are becoming even more rare, in part because of vaccines against some of the organisms that cause ear infections.
RISK FACTORS & PREVENTION
RISK FACTORS THAT INCREASE RISK FOR OTITIS MEDIA:AGE. Children 3 years and younger are most likely to get ear infections. Also, young children get more colds and upper respiratory infections. Most children have at least one ear infection before they are 7 years old.
RECURRENT COLDS & UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS. Most ear infections (acute otitis media) develop from colds or other upper respiratory infections.
EXPOSURE TO CIGARETTE SMOKE. Babies who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to have ear infections than babies who are not exposed to smoke. Also, ear infections seem to last longer in children who are exposed to cigarette smoke. Not smoking is the best prevention. Ear infections are more common in children who are exposed to cigarette smoke in the home. If you cannot stop smoking, smoke outside the house.
BOTTLE-FEEDING. Babies who are breast-fed are less likely than babies who are bottle-fed to develop ear infections within the first year of life. Babies are more likely to develop ear infections if they take their bottles lying down rather than being held. Breast-feeding your baby is the best prevention. There is some evidence that breast-feeding helps reduce the risk of ear infections, especially if frequent ear infections run in your family. If you bottle-feed your baby, don't let your baby take a bottle while he or she is lying down.
INFECTION EXPOSURE AT HOME. Being around siblings with ear infections. Babies with brothers and sisters who have ear infections are more likely to have an ear infection. Washing your hands regularly is the best prevention for this risk. Regular hand-washing when you have a cold or are caring for a child who has an upper respiratory infection will help prevent the spread of infection.
INFECTION EXPOSURE AT CHILD CARE CENTERS. Children who are around many other children, such as in child care centers, are more likely to have ear infections than children who are not exposed to many other children. Taking your child to a smaller child care center is a preventive measure. Fewer children means less exposure to respiratory and ear infections. Children can pick up antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria from other children in child care settings.
PACIFIER USE AFTER 12 MONTHS OF AGE. Babies who continue to use a pacifier after they have reached 12 months of age are more likely to develop ear infections. Not using a pacifier is the best prevention for this risk. Try to wean your child from his or her pacifier before about 6 months, when it is easier.
BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Babies with cleft palate or Down syndrome are prone to ear infections.
WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM. Children with severely impaired immune systems have more frequent ear infections than healthy children.
SEX. Boys seem to have more ear infections than girls.
FAMILY HISTORY. Children are more likely to have recurrent middle ear infections if a parent or sibling had repeated ear infections.
ALLERGIES. Allergies may be a risk factor for ear infections. Allergies cause long-term nasal congestion which affects functioning of the eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose and throat with the middle ear.
FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK FOR REPEATED EAR INFECTIONS:EAR INFECTIONS AT AN EARLY AGE. Babies who have their first ear infection before 6 months of age are more likely to have other ear infections.
PERSISTENT FLUID IN THE EAR. Fluid behind the eardrum that lasts longer than 2 to 10 weeks after an ear infection increases the risk for repeated infection.
PRIOR INFECTIONS. Children who have had an ear infection within the previous 3 months are more likely to have another ear infection, especially if the infection was treated with antibiotics.
EXAMS & TESTS
Ear infections usually can be diagnosed based on medical history, physical exam, and an ear exam (pneumatic otoscope exam).
With an acute middle ear infection, the eardrum, when viewed through a pneumatic otoscope, is red or yellow and bulging. In the case of otitis media with effusion, the eardrum is red or yellow and either bulging or sucked in. In both cases, the eardrum does not move freely when slight air pressure is applied with the pneumatic otoscope.
OTHER TESTS THAT MAY BE DONE INCLUDE:
Tympanometry. If the ear exam appears normal, tympanometry may be done to test the functioning of the eardrum.
Hearing Tests. A hearing test is recommended for children who have had fluid in one or both ears (otitis media with effusion) for a total of 3 months. Hearing tests may be done sooner if the health professional suspects that the child has hearing loss.
Tympanocentesis. If fluid stays behind the eardrum (chronic otitis media with effusion) or infection has continued even with antibiotic treatment, a tympanocentesis may be done. The fluid sample obtained during the procedure is usually tested for culture and sensitivity.
Reflectometry. If the ear exam using a pneumatic otoscope does not show definitely that fluid is behind the eardrum, reflectometry may be done to confirm the presence of fluid.
Blood Tests may be done if there are signs of total body infection.
EARLY DETECTION
Children who have had recurrent or persistent fluid behind the eardrum (chronic otitis media with effusion) for 3 months need to have their hearing tested.
TREATMENT
Antibiotic therapy and/or surgical draining of the affected area may be necessary to heal an ear infection. However, some studies have shown that there is no significant overall difference in healing time or recurrence of ear infections between children treated with antibiotics and those not given antibiotics. In addition, many infants may also have reactions to the antibiotics used to treat ear infections, especially if they are used too frequently.
Analgesics. Pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol) will help make your child more comfortable. A full dose of pain relievers before bedtime is especially important. Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20 because its use in this age group has been linked to Reye's syndrome.
Applying heat to the ear, which may help relieve the earache. Use a warm washcloth or a heating pad. Do not allow your child to go to bed with a heating pad, because he or she could get burned. Use a heating pad only if your child is old enough to tell you if it is getting too hot.
Rest. Encourage your child to rest to let his or her body fight the infection. Arrange for quiet play activities.
Conventional health care providers often prescribe pain-relieving ear drops (Auralgan) for earache. Do not use ear drops without a health provider's advice, especially if your child has tubes.
Decongestants, antihistamines, and other non-prescription cold remedies are not effective in treating or preventing otitis media. Antihistamines will dry up secretions and may actually make your child worse.
If your child with an ear infection has to take an airplane trip, talk with your health care provider about what to do to decrease the child's ear pain during the trip.
If your child does not improve after a couple of days of home treatment, call your health care provider.
If your child has a ruptured eardrum from otitis media, keep water from getting into the ear canal until your health care provider indicates the hole in the eardrum has healed. Ear molds are recommended as an extra precaution when swimming or bathing. A child with a ruptured eardrum may take a shower or bathe as usual, although his or her head should not be immersed. Swimming in pools is allowed. Swimming in rivers, lakes, or ponds is discouraged, because there may be harmful bacteria present.
In most cases, with proper treatment, a perforated eardrum heals naturally, with no permanent loss of hearing. An eardrum may rupture as a result of infection or due to sudden inward pressure to the ear from swimming, diving, a slap, a nearby explosion, or even a kiss over the ear.
Breastfed babies are much less likely than bottle-fed babies to suffer from ear infections.
Ear problems are more common in the homes of smokers.
Branhamella catarrhalis (B-cat), a common cause of ear infections, has developed strains that resist standard antibiotics. Fortunately, the antibiotic Augmentin (a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate sodium) can still destroy the B-cat bacterium.
Ear infection is not the only cause of ear pain. Rapid changes in air pressure, such as occur during air travel, often cause ear pain and can even result in damage to the eardrum. This is called aerotitis or barotitis media. If an infection is present, the effects of pressure changes are magnified.
Children who have frequent ear infections should be tested for food allergies. The role of allergies as a major cause of chronic otitis media have been firmly established. See Allergies for more information.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Avoid the most common allergenic foods: wheat, dairy products, corn, oranges, peanut butter, and all simple carbohydrates, including sugar, fruits, and fruit juices. See Allergy Diet for more information.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Allergies
To help reduce and prevent the development of food allergies, do not repeat foods frequently. A four-day rotation diet may be beneficial. See Allergies for more information about foods and allergies. With a young child, introduce new foods one at a time and watch carefully for any reaction.
If a bottle-fed baby has an ear infection, eliminate milk and dairy products from the child's diet for thirty days to see if any benefits result. Try feeding your baby soy milk, Rice Dream, or nut milk instead.
Take Garlic Enemas if toxins accumulate to dangerous levels and cause the body to react. Signs of dangerous toxin levels and cause the body to react. Signs of dangerous toxin levels include fever, chills, and general aches and pains. See Enemas for information.
Apply hot and cold compresses alternately to the scalp, just behind the ear.
For ringing in the ears, mix 1 tablespoon of Salt and 1 teaspoon of Glycerine (sold in drugstores and online) in 1 pint of warm water. Use a nasal spray bottle to spray each nostril with the solution until it begins to drain into the back of the throat. Spray the throat with the mixture as well. Do this several times a day.
If you suffer from a chronic cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, see your health care provider. A chronic cough can be caused by impacted earwax that exerts pressure on a nerve in the ear canal, stimulating the coughing reflex. Your health care provider can easily see if you have excessive earwax buildup and can remove it using careful suction or warm water with a slender blunt curette, plus a special microscope to aid in guiding the removal.
Otoscopes (for examining the inside of the ear) are available for home use. Your health care provider can show you how to use it. If you have a child who suffers from repeated ear infections, you may wish to look into a device called the EarCheck Middle Ear Monitor. This instrument detects the presence of a collection of fluid in the middle ear, a sign of middle ear infection, within five seconds.
Earache Tablets from Hyland's Inc. is a homeopathic combination remedy containing Belladonna, Calcarea carbonica, Chamomilla, Lycopodium, Pulsatilla, and Sulfur that appears to work well in reducing pain and fever.
Do not blow your nose if you have an ear infection.
Keep the ear canal dry. Retained soap and water in the canal can be dangerous. Put cotton in the ear canal when showering or bathing. Do not go swimming until healing is complete.
Avoid unsanitary conditions. An ear infection may result from lowered resistance due to a recent illness. Non-prescription ear drops may relieve the pain. A nasal spray may help open up the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure.
If there are symptoms of dizziness, ringing in the ears, bleeding or a bloody discharge, sudden pain (or a sudden lessening of pain), and hearing loss in one or both ears, contact your health care provider immediately. These symptoms could indicate a ruptured eardrum.
HERBS
Take alcohol-free Echinacea Extract by mouth; this will generally end an ear infection if you catch if early.
To alleviate pain, place a few drops of warm Garlic Oil or Olive Oil in the ear, then a drop or two of Lobelia or Mullein Oil. You can plug the ear loosely with a cotton ball. You can also make a paste using onion powder or clay packs and apply it to the outside of the ear to relieve pain.
Ear Drops containing Garlic, Mullein, and St. John's Wort are available at health food stores and online.
Ear Oil Relief, NOW Foods, 1 oz. - Shake well, Place 3-4 drops of warmed oil in both ears and plug with cotton. Ingredients: Garlic Bulb (allium sativum), Mullein Flowering Top (Verbascum thapsus), Calendula Flower (Calendula officinalis), St. John's Wort Flowering Top (Melaleuca alternifolia), Vitamin E Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Olive Oil.
Olive Leaf Extract helps the body fight infection.
Olive Leaf Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Place 1/2 dropperful of alcohol-free Goldenseal Extract in your mouth and swish it around for a few minutes before swallowing. Do this every three hours for three days. Alternating Echinacea with Goldenseal works wonders. For an infant, put the extract in formula or expressed breast milk, or in fruit-flavored sugar-free yogurt. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a health care provider's supervision.
Goldenseal Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea & Goldenseal Tincture, 100% Organic, Nature's Way, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
Echinacea Tincture For Children, Orange Flavor, Alcohol Free, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
Astragalus is an old Chinese remedy. Used as a tonic, it strengthens the body's resistance to disease.
Astragalus Root Supplements & Products
Onion poultices are good for ear infections. See Using A Poultice for more information.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
EAR INFECTION / EARACHE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Supplements and products for ear infections and earache, a broad range of diseases that can affect any part of the structure of the ear.
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 500 mg, 60 VCaps
NOW Foods AHCC is a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta glucan 1,3 and activated hemicellulose produced by enzymatic modification of organic medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake.Antibiotic, Natural, Support Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use this natural antibiotic to support the immune system.Bio Defender, Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Formula, Balanceuticals, 56 Caps
This unique antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal formula is a clinical nutritionist response to bio terrorism such as anthrax.Colloidal Silver, Liquid Silver Homeopathic Formula, SilvaSolution Advanced Immune System Activator for Colds and Flu, 8 fl. oz.
TriMedica SilvaSolution Advanced Liquid Silver Homeopathic Formula integrates the basic principles of homeopathy and is a profound healing system designed to increase the body's ability to respond to immune challenges and restore optimal health.Colloidal Silver Pump Spray, SilvaSolution, 2 fl. oz.
Colloidal Silver Spray works great to promote throat health, as well as provide immune system support.Earache Relief Earache Drops, Homeopathic For Children, 5 Single Use Droppers
Gentle enough for children but strong enough for adults, Earache Relief Earache Drops may be used alone or in conjunction with other OTC pain relievers or prescription antibiotics.Earache Relief Ear Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
This pharmacist-recommended Active Response Formula promptly stimulates the body's natural ability to relieve ear pain.Ear Candling Deluxe Kit
Contains everything included in the Starter Kit plus additional supplies and accessories for a more complete and effective ear candling experience.Ear Candling Mini Pack
All the basics needed for an ear candling session.Ear Candling Pillow
Ear Pillows can be treated for a more relaxing candling experience. They are shaped perfectly for an ear candling session.Ear Candling Starter Kit
Contains all the basic supplies you need for several ear candling sessions.Ear Clear Oil, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Adults and children may use this Ear Oil for ear aches, infections and for ear wax buildup.Ear Oil, All Natural Herbal Ear Drops, White Egret, 2 fl. oz.
Can be used in the ear canal to soothe the ear and prevent infection. Also used to soften ear wax.Ear Soothies For Ear Candling, 1 Pair
Slips on ears to help with ear discomfort.Ear Soothe Wellness Oil, 2 fl. oz.
This oil is formulated to address swimmer's ear, earaches, ear infections, and ringing in the ear.Echinacea Angustifolia Root Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Echinacea is an excellent herb for all kinds of viral & bacterial infections, strengthens the immune system against pathogenic infection by stimulating phagocytosis & T-Cell formation, blood cleansing properties, acne, bronchitis, colds & flu, congestion, psoriasis, tonsillitis, wounds, ear infections and stimulates the immune system.Echinacea Herb, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 180 Caps
Echinacea herb supports the immune system and promotes general well-being in cold and flu season.Echinacea Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea Root is also known as Purple Coneflower and considered very valuable by North American Indians.Echinacea Tincture For Children, Orange Flavor, Alcohol Free, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
ChildLife's great tasting Echinacea can provide extra support at the first sign of colds, flues, sore throats, upper respiratory symptoms, sinusitis, and ear infections. Periodic use, especially during the winter months, may increase the overall strength of your child's natural defense system.Enzyme Phytonutrient (EPN) Ionic Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic EPN is a pure liquid enzyme supplement. EPN complex is a patent-pending enzyme phytonutrient from a plant source that provides enzyme and saccharides necessary for optimal cellular communication. No combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids or herbals can replace the necessary saccharides found in EPN.First Defense Homeopathic Formula For Children, 4 fl. oz.
A complete and effective natural broad spectrum anti-infective formula available for infants and children. Completely safe and non-toxic for infants and children of all ages. A homeopathic Formula.Gentle Digest, Natural Probiotic For Pets, 60 Caps
Gentle Digest® provides human grade lactobacillus sporogenes (Lactospore®) which produce L+ form of lactic acid that promote growth of friendly bacteria to pet's digestive tract.Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) Liquid Concentrate, 1 Gallon
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments.Grapefruit Seed Extract Liquid Concentrate, 2 fl oz.
Used Grapefruit Seed Extract topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin.Grapefruit Seed Extract Liquid Concentrate, 4 fl oz.
Grapefruit Seed Extract may be used topically as an antiseptic wound cleaner and to treat infections of the skin. Internally, the concentrate is useful as a supportive treatment for a wide variety of ailments.Hyland's Earache Homeopathic Formula For Children, 40 Tabs
The medicines in Hyland's Earache Tablets have been clinically shown to reduce earache symptoms during the first 48 hours of the episode.Hyssop Throat Comforts, Natural Herb Comforts, 61 Lozenges
Throat Soothers with natural Hyssop can be used to comfort the throat while undergoing ear candling treatments.Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Manganese is a pure liquid Manganese supplement. Manganese, also called the "brain mineral," is important in the utilization of all mental facilities/functions.Nature's Antiseptics Tea Tree Oil & Grapefruit Seed Extract, CJ Puotinen, Paperback
Nature's Warfare, this book covers tea tree oil and grapefruit see extract use in safely destroying viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts and parasites that want to live in us and on us.Nutribiotic Ear Drops, With Grapefruit Seed Extract, 3 fl. oz.
NutriBiotic Ear Drops are an excellent topical treatment for ear aches, swimmer's ear and over-production of wax.Olive Leaf Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Olive Leaf extract is used internally, as a laxative and disperser of acids, and is often used in enemas. Olive Leaf extract is also used in a poultice, Olive Leaf relieves pruritis and the effects of stings or burns.Otoscope, Illuminating Ear Scope With 3 Tips
The illuminating Otoscope is the finest, most affordable otoscope available. It is used to view the inside of the ear canal.Plate Guard For Ear Candling
A protective aid to shield ear candle user from any flame or debris caused during the ear candling session.Scissors, Folding For Ear Candling
Small, Folding Scissors to use for cutting a hole in the plate guard.Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz.
Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.Travel or Home First Aid Kit
The Travel or Home First Aid Kit has all the internal and topical products from Nutribiotic you will need for your travel or home first aid needs.Vertigo Support Wellness Oil, Nature's Inventory, 2 fl. oz.
The essential oils in this blend can help to dramatically reduce the effects of Vertigo just by smelling these oils. Apply this oil to any area of your skin where you can smell it, sit down and relax and allow the oils to work with your body's system.Vitamin B-12 Complex Liquid, NOW Foods, 2 fl. oz.
Vitamin B-12 Helps to maintain a healthy nervous system, and helps in the prevention of pernicious anemia. Folic Acid should be taken by all females of child bearing age to help prevent neuro-tube birth defects. Folic acid is also linked to heart health.Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Vitamin C Liquid For Baby & Children, 4 fl. oz.
Vitamin C is known as a principal anti-oxidant, the need for which is greatly increased in infants and children due to today's elevated environmental stresses and pollution.Xylitol Plus Natural Sugar Substitute, NOW Foods, 20 Packets, 4.4 oz.
Xylitol Plus Natural Sugar Substitute is derived from fruit, such as strawberries, pears and plums, or trees, specifically birchwood.Zinc Lozenges With Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.
HerbalRemedies: Ear Infection / Ear Ache Information
HerbalRemedies: Ear Infection / Ear Ache Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Ear, Nose & Throat For Children Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Cold / Common Cold / Head Cold, Chest Cold Supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
IMMEDIATELY:
Your child has a severe injury to the ear. Your child has sudden hearing loss, severe pain, drainage from the ear, or dizziness. Your child seems to be very sick with symptoms such as a high fever and stiff neck. You notice significant redness, swelling, or pain behind or around your child's ear, especially if he or she does not move the muscles on that side of his or her face.
AS NEEDED OR REQUIRED:
Your child has a severe earache and cannot be quieted with home treatment over several hours. Your baby pulls or rubs his ear and appears to be in pain (crying, screaming). Your child's ear pain increases despite treatment. Your child has a fever over 102°F (38.89°C) with other signs of ear infection. You suspect that your child's eardrum has ruptured or there is drainage from the ear that looks like pus. Your child has an object stuck in his or her ear. Your child with an ear infection continues to have symptoms (fever and pain) after 48 hours of treatment with an antibiotic. Your child with an ear tube develops an earache or has drainage from his or her ear.
WATCHFUL WAITING:
If your child is age 2 or older and has an earache, watchful waiting may be appropriate. Most ear infections get better without antibiotics. However, if your child can not be quieted with pain relief medications or the symptoms continue after 48 hours, call your health provider.
PLUS:
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain medications, herbs, or other treatments. Some medications used may produce side effects.
WHO TO SEE:
Pediatrician. Family Care Health Care Provider. Nurse Practitioner. Physician's Assistant. Internal Medicine Health Care Provider. Specialist in ear and throat conditions (Otolaryngologist). Specialist in ear and throat conditions in children (Pediatric Otolaryngologist). Alternative health care provider that may use methods besides conventional medical approaches.
If your child has repeated ear infections, he or she may be sent to a specialist:
Otolaryngologist. Pediatric Otolaryngologist. Hearing Specialist (Audiologist). Speech Therapist.
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