Ear Infections
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What Are Ear Infections?
The ear consists of three parts. These include the visible portion of the ear, also known as the external ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The external ear is separated from the middle ear by the ear drum. The middle ear is essential for hearing and also houses the eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the nose to the middle ear and help to regulate the pressure inside the ear so we can hear properly. The inner ear is the deepest part of the ear and controls balance as well as hearing.
Various types of ear infections can develop in the different parts of the ear. For example, acute otitis media is an infection that occurs in the middle ear. Fluid can also accumulate in the middle ear even if there is no infection present, which is referred to as otitis media with effusion.
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Common Causes of Ear Infections in Children
An infection of the middle ear is known as acute otitis media, which is the most frequent type of ear infection seen in young children. This is due to the structural difference of a child’s inner ear as well as their less equipped immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
Because children have a more horizontal shape to their eustachian tubes, as opposed to adults who have larger and more round eustachian tubes, fluid does not drain as easily from a child’s ears. Therefore, when they get obstructed by mucus during an illness, fluid can build up in the middle ear. Additionally, the eustachian tubes can become inflamed and irritated as a result of allergies, a buildup of excess mucus, and cigarette smoke. Swollen adenoids and changes in air pressure can also block these essential tubes.
Children are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. Many children develop ear infections when they come down with an upper respiratory infection, which is due to the fact that bacteria can rapidly travel to the eustachian tubes and cause an infection of the middle ear. Chiropractic for ear infections in toddlers concentrates on preventing these types of infections by building up immune system reserves.
Common Causes of Ear Infections in Adults
Although adults can also be affected by infections of the middle ear, they are less likely to develop them than children. Bacteria, such as haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumoniae, are the most frequent causes of middle ear infections in children and adults. Viruses, such as the common cold, can also result in middle ear infections. Similar to children, chiropractic for ear infections in adults centers on strengthening the body’s defenses to prevent infections from developing in the middle ear.
Symptoms of Ear Infections
Although very young children may not be able to communicate what is troubling them, there are tell-tale signs that indicate they may have an ear infection. Some of these include changes in mood, such as crying more frequently or becoming more fussy, as well as trouble falling asleep.
Some other common signs and symptoms of ear infections in children, in addition to crying, include fever and, occasionally, a pus-like drainage from the ear. Many times children will also tug at an ear that is impacted by a painful infection, and they may also develop issues with balance and hearing.
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, exhibits the same signs and symptoms as a middle ear infection, including drainage from the ear. Additionally, this type of ear infection can also cause redness, swelling, and itchiness in the ear. Pain in the ear can also occur while the child is chewing.
How Chiropractic Works to Relieve Ear Infection Pain
Chiropractic for ear infections focuses on the root cause responsible for pain. It also includes optimizing how the body responds to pain as well as bolstering the immune system.
Although pain is a warning sign from the body that something is wrong, sometimes the pain messages sent from the body to the brain are incomplete or distorted. Information that is transmitted between the ear and brain can be regulated with natural ear infection remedy techniques, such as chiropractic adjustment and nutritional support. As a result, pain indicators more precisely relay the degree of the infection.
Enhancing the immune system to ward off an infection is another key component of chiropractic for ear infection relief. Chiropractic adjustment not only improves the brain-nerve-body communication, it improves how the immune system functions and also enhances circulation and hormonal regulation.
Keeping water from penetrating the external ear canal isn’t always possible, as is the case with swimmer’s ear. Every once in a while, swim caps can fall off, ear plugs can fall out, or children can forget to keep their heads’ above water.
Life Source Chiropractic has become quite familiar with how children play since we are a practice that tends to the whole family. Instead, parents of children who are prone to swimmer’s ear should concentrate on drying the outer ears completely after swimming. Once the outer ear is dry, tilt the head and gently tug on the downward facing ear in all possible directions to prompt any additional water that may be in the ear to drain out. Then have the child tilt their head the other way, and repeat the process. If it is suspected that there is any remaining water, the ears can be dried with a blow dryer put on the lowest setting and held at least 12 inches away from the ear. This process may also be required after bathing for children who are particularly prone to this condition.
Life Source Chiropractic encourages parents to make a homemade ear drop solution to prevent swimmer’s ear. This easy, natural ear infection remedy combines one part vinegar with one part rubbing alcohol. The vinegar creates an acidic environment that hinders bacterial growth while the rubbing alcohol dries up any fluid left inside the ear canal. After swimming, bathing, or any other activity where the ears can come into contact with a large amount of water, parents should instill a few drops of this homemade solution into each ear. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, children can still get an ear infection. If severe pain, swelling, drainage, or fever develops, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Chronic Ear Infections in Children
It is possible for ear infections to become a frequent occurrence. In this case, it is fortunate that chronic ear infections can also be successfully resolved using chiropractic care. A study done by a New York chiropractor showed that nearly 80% of children who suffered from ear infections and had a series of chiropractic adjustments performed on them, had no recurring ear infections during a six month period following the initial appointments.
Chiropractic adjustments get the fluid moving inside the middle ear, according to this chiropractor. When the fluid is gone, a potential site for lingering bacteria disappears. This dedicated chiropractor also indicates that the enhanced immune function that chiropractic care works to cultivate also plays an important role.
Discover the Difference Chiropractic Ear Infection Relief Can Make
Statistics and research studies provide useful information, but unless you put them to use, they will not help you or your child prevent ear infections. Our skilled chiropractic team has the knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of scientific research, and we adore working with families. Call Life Source Chiropractic today if you’d like to discover more about what chiropractic ear infection relief can do for you or your child. We’d be delighted to answer any questions you may have and arrange a consultation concerning chiropractic care for ear health.