Home > Kids > News > ChildMiddle ear infection (otitis media) is very common among toddlers, with 50% of children having an episode before their first birthday and 80% of children having one by their third birthday. What is it and why does it happen?As the name suggests, middle ear infection involves inflammation of the ear drum and a build up of fluid in the middle ear. This is most commonly caused by bacteria or virus, often accompanied with upper respiratory tract infection. First symptoms are persistent ear-ache and hearing loss followed by fever and nausea with possible vomiting or diarrhoea. Babies may be irritable, and be difficult to feed and put to sleep. The rupture of the ear-drum creates pain but often relieves the pressure. When symptoms persist for more than 1-3 months, development into chronic serious otitis media ensues and effusion will become sticky. This is also known as glue ear. Why are children so prone?Although middle ear infection occurs in many age groups, children from 6 months to 3 years are most affected. This can be attributed to immunological factors and simple anatomy (in relation to the nasopharynx, the Eustachian tube is at quite a low angle in young bodies). Other factors that may contribute include:
What to do?It is often found that symptoms improve when certain dietary modifications are implemented, such as elimination of wheat, dairy, peanut butter and other common allergen-forming foods. Establishing a healthy gastro-intestinal function is imperative as gut function is intimately linked with immune regulation, neurological development, growth and hormone function. Because children's intestinal micro-flora balance is dissimilar to adults, it is important to only use a probiotic formula specifically designed for kids. Another key treatment measure is to improve defence and resistance to bacteria and viruses. This must be undertaken with the advice of a Natural Health Practitioner to ensure you have correct dosage for the child's age and body weight. With winter fast approaching, it makes sense to begin to take preventative measures – cooking hearty soups for dinner with immune-boosting root vegetables (puree for them if they wont eat it chunky), offering children sips of diluted warm herbal tea (not boiling hot) such as Healtheries Be Well Tea with Echinacea, rosehip, lemon and added vitamin C, and ensuring they eat natural, sugar-free cultured yoghurt daily or are given probiotic powder to enhance gut and immunity function. If your child has a history of antibiotic use, this is especially important as a means to 'recolonise' the gut flora with healthy bacteria, thereby enhancing digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as improving overall defence status. Unfortunately yoghurt alone won't be sufficient to do this. Most Pharmacies now sell probiotics for children and adults alike and can recommend products specifically suited to your child.
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