Nearly two-thirds of children with uncomplicated ear infections recover from pain and fever within 24 hours of diagnosis without antibiotic treatment. Over 80% recover within 1 to 7 days. More than 5 million cases of acute ear infections occur annually. Because of the high rate of antibiotics use in the US, it is important to note that in the Netherlands the rate of bacterial resistance is about 1%, compared with the US average of around 25%.
When dealing with ear infections, the first things you want to do is to remove certain habits that can be the cause of the infection.
Pacifier use has been found to cause recurrent ear infections, failure of breastfeeding, and dental deformities.
– Contemp Nurse. 2004 Jul-Aug;17(1-2):109-12.
Don’t Drink Your Milk!
Over 50% of children with ear infections will improve and have no further ear infections if they just stop drinking milk. This is a real tragedy.
“The most common culprit [that causes ear infections] is cow’s milk, in its natural form or as found in infant formula. It causes swelling of the mucous membranes, which interferes with the drainage of secretions through the eustachian tube. Eventually infection results because of the accumulated secretion.”
– Dr. Robert S. Mendelsohn, MD
It’s important to note, that breastfeeding does reduce the chances of the child developing ear infections. The nutritional habits of the mother are the key! If a child being breastfed acquires an ear infection, the mother should eliminate dairy from her diet.
Cut the sweets!
Although the relationship between sugar and ear infections has not been adequately researched, the effect of sugar on the immune system is very well documented. Consumption of sugar, specifically white sugar, has been implicated in increasing ones susceptibility to infections. This would include all candies, soda pop, and baked goods with white sugar and white flour.
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