Chronic Inner Ear Infection

kriky&bubbaE · #1 (**permalink**) 25-07-2008, 11:03 PM

Hi all,
Does anyone know of natural options to prevent my DD (15 months) getting recurring inner ear infections my GP says if she has another in the next few months she may have to have gromets and I really dont want to go down that path.

I am currently giving her cranberry concentrate and have really upped omega3 in her diet, to try and help but she has just had another infection last week.

Any helpful ideas are appreciated.

Thanks Kristy

starbuckozzie · #2 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 07:33 AM

Whilst living in Texas we went to Dr. Mary Ann Block (DO). She has a book called "No More Antibiotics" which has some very helpful information. In summary, she recommends all the usual things (good nutrition, support the immune system, treat allergies, breastfeed, etc.). In addition, she recommends OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment) which we have found very helpful. You need the book or the video (which you can get online if they will ship to Australia - I haven't checked) to learn how to do this but it's possible that a DO visit might cover this; I'd be inclined to ring and check.

Dr. Block has a website: blockcenter.com

Hope this helps. I have the book if you are anywhere near Newcastle, NSW and want to come and take a look.

Bronnie · #3 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 08:56 AM

you could try removing dairy??

hanabi · #4 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 01:09 PM

Craniosacral therapy might help if you can find a practitioner.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m.../ai_2601000377

We have had success with warmed onion juice poured into the ear. Grate a white or brown onion and suck the juice off with a warmed eye dropper. Or you can make a poultice with the grated onion pulp, heat it, and place it over the painful ear. It's stinky, but it *does* work.

Sucking thick juice/nectar/jelly/yoghurt through a straw can help keep the ear and throat passaged mobile. Likewise, you could plug the air vent in a bendy straw water bottle and get the same motion happening (though without the reward of juice/nectar/jelly/yoghurt). Other jaw motions are good too, wide open mouth, jaw rolling, poking out the tongue as far as possible etc.

My book of chinese massage, acupressure and shiatsu has a few techniques for manipulating the ears, though these, and all mobility exercises, might be painful to do with an actual ear infection. They are great prevention to do on an ongoing basis though. They comprise of pulling and pushing motions to the ear lobes, tragus, helix, antihelix, all the folds of the ear as well as behind the ear. I often do it on myself and my kids for sinus infection, blocked ears etc. Try it on yourself and combine it with jaw motion and you may discover your own therapeutic ways to help alleviate persistent ear infections for your daughter. Here's a picture of the anatomy of the outer ear just so you know what part is what.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...&ct=image&cd=1

**Nyree** · #5 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 09:19 PM

Following on from Jodie's suggestion of craniosacral theryapy, there is lots of evidence showing chiropractic &/or osteopathics adjustments make a huge improvement.

kriky&bubbaE · #6 (**permalink**) 29-07-2008, 04:59 PM

thanks guys I have booked an appointment at our local chiropractor/wellness centre for DD.
I will post how we go for future reference.
DD also attends daycare 2 days a week at the mo so she is brining home every bug under the sun so be interest to hear the wellness approach for that as the DR just suggest we suck it up and it is building up her immune system!