Chronic Ear Infections - Marshfield,MA

Updated on February 26, 2011
S.S. asks from Marshfield, MA
12 answers

Hello Moms,

I am looking for some suggestions. My almost 5 years has chronic ear infections. I posted recently asking for dairy-free suggestions, and I so appreciate all of the responses I got! We are still trying to find substitutes that work for us, but I have a long list of things to try and I thank you for that.

Our ENT is very supportive of us trying some natural and alternative remedies. We need to get the fluid out of her ears, that is the big concern right now as it is hindering her hearing. She is on flonase, we have eliminated dairy and we are using grapeseed ear drops. The fluid build up seems to be because of post nasal discharge.

We are trying to avoid tubes, for many reasons, the most major being that given the post nasal discharge tubes would be treating a symptom, not a problem. Also, we have an appointment with an allergist in 2 weeks. I just want to make sure that we are doing everything possible.

Does anyone know of a chiropractor who works with children in the south of Boston area?

What other natural/alternative remedies are out there?

Thanks so much for your thoughts.

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K.P.

answers from Springfield on

When this happened to my then 2 yr. old son, it was very scary. We didn't know what was causing it. We went to the the allergist and they said he was highly allergic to dust mites (who isn't) cats and dogs. We had 2 cats since before he was born. We did not think it could be that. I thought the test was wrong. He continued to have ear infections then he woke up one morning and his eye was so swollen, it looked like he was punched in the face. There was so much fluid, it built up in the area around his eye. We went to the pediatrician and had allergy blood tests done. They confirmed the findings from the allergist. We removed the carpet in his room to expose hardwood floors and found a new home for the cats. He has been not gotten an ear infection since.

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

Tubes aren't bad until the structure of the ear changes with growth. Did your daughter have the immunization against the bacteria specific to ear infections? Maybe when she gets well you could consider this-if you have not already done so.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Our 3, now 4 years old, had chronic ear infections for a very long time and as soon as the tubes went in he hasn't had an ear infection in almost a year. Get the tubes.

My next to the youngest became deaf due to stuff built up in his ears. The ENT had to go in a debris his inner ears and then he could hear. Poor baby had so many ear infections and the antibiotics didn't ever clear them up all the way inside. He nearly got to have a life long disability due to not getting tubes when he needed them, if there had been nerve damage the deafness could have been permanant.

1 mom found this helpful

L.C.

answers from Houston on

Just before Christmas I took my 3 kids to the ENT because of chronic ear infections and sinus/allergies that I just could not clear up. The ENT suggested tubes for my one-year-old, and tubes and adenoidectomy for my three-year-old. The 3 year old also had already had tubes at a year old, but the tubes had come out.
For my daughter who just turned 5, he said they don't usually do tubes for that age. He prescribed an oral steroid and nasonex spray. When I took her back for the follow-up, her ears had no fluid. She hasn't had an ear infection since then. She's had allergy tests (including foods) which all came back negative. I'm beginning to think our sinus issues are due to the air quality. We live near refineries and near the coast where they burn the marshes.
Good luck to you. I know how frustrating it is.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.G.

answers from Boston on

Whole foods has garlic drops for the ear and tablets that go under your tongue. I'd try them. It is possible that the antibiotics that you have given her over the years have contributed to them coming back. Her own immune system has not fought them off. Under doctor supervision, I'd try something more natural, so they will not keep re-occurring. I did this with my children and it worked.
GoodLuck,
S.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Two of my boys went through this only one had the nose issue as your dd does.
Unfortunately in the end the only thing that stopped it for one was tubes, removal of tonsils and adenoids. The other only had tubes.
My mother was a licensed herbalist and RMT. Before they built up an immunity
we used Garlic oil. You can get it at any health/natural food stores. Recently I have only seen Garlic/Echinecha blend. Also Bach Flower Remedies though I cannot remember which one we used. Maybe someone here who mixes them or uses them can tell you. I am pretty sure they likely have one that will help with the nasal issue too.
Good luck!
~J~

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B.R.

answers from Springfield on

You can also look for a Cranial Sacral Therapist. We used one when our son had fluid build up and he was able to open up the Eustachian tubes so the fluid could flow out. I'd recommend him but we are in Western MA so that doesn't help you. Sorry. I'm sure you could find a list of them online.

When our kids got ear infections with fluid we would use Garlic oil or breastmilk drops in the ear. Worked every time. You can make the garlic oil at home by adding crushed garlic to a bit (about 1/8 to 1/4 cup) of olive oil. Heat in microwave and let cool. You can use this when cool to touch or just slightly warm. Put a few drops in the ear canal and plug the canal with a cotton ball. The longer the garlic sits in the oil the more potent it will be. Do the same if you have breastmilk handy. Put a few drops in the ear and plug up. Breastmilk an also be used for Pink eye.

Good luck.

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A.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have heard and read amazing stories about chiropractors, good luck in your search. I wish you all the best. PS good for you for recognizing that tubes would only be treating a symptom...get to the core of it.

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

S.,
My older son had chronic ear infections. the doctors were pressuring me to put tubes in his ears. But I react very badly to anesthesia so I was afraid to do it. On the other hand, he had bad diarrhea from the antibotics.
A friend told me about Shaklee's kids vitamins. He improved immediately and never had another one and no longer had diarrhea. My younger son never had ear infections at all.
Shaklee actually saved my life from a life threatening health issue in addition, so I became a distributor.
Let me know if you are interested.
Victoria

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D.S.

answers from Houston on

if you dont use a decongestant at the same time as the allergy meds it will keep repeating sinuses to ears ears to sinuses.. also try saline spray. and echineachea sp?

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S.L.

answers from Springfield on

I have found that HerbPharm's Garlic/Mullein ear oil is great. Warm the bottle in a hot water bath, 5 drops in the ear, add cotton ball, have your little one lay on her side, maybe while you read a book or she watches a cartoon for 20 mins.

Also, a naturopathic doctor would be able to give you a natural anti-histamine (herbal). These usually contain freeze dried nettles, which you can also find to give your daughter as tea (add honey to mask the heavy taste). The one we use to keep our son's discharge down is Aller-Res Q. In the meantime, give her foods that are naturally high in quercetin, which is a natural anti-histamine--you can look these foods up on Google. Good luck!

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A.M.

answers from Hartford on

Chiropractic is the best option for getting to the cause of the ear infections and getting rid of them for good! Some of the other things moms have posted like garlic oil and natural sprays can help also. I don't know of a good chiropractor south of Boston... just call local chiropractors and ask if they treat kids with ear infections... you'll find someone. Good Luck!

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