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Treatment for Otitis Media (ear
infections) |
In general, naturopathic
treatments for otitis media (ear
infections) should be tried for
a maximum of 2-3
days. If there is
not a major reduction is symptoms by
that time, antibiotic treatment
is indicated under the supervision
of a qualified ND or MD. If there is
extreme tenderness behind the ear,
dilation of the pupils, stiffness of
the neck, projectile vomiting, or
the child becomes unresponsive to
external stimuli, then
a physician should be contacted
immediately as these may be signs of
a serious complications.
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Supplements helpful for Otitis Media |
Vitamins and
Minerals:
There are a number of nutrients
that have shown promise in the
treatment of Otitis Media, as well as
for overall immune health.
Interestingly, a large number of deficiencies have been noted in children with otitis media, upper
respiratory infections, and
other conditions adversely
affecting immune function.
Among the main deficiencies, are
Zinc and Selenium. [3]
Conversely, nutrients like Vitamin C have shown a
preventative effect on lowering
one's risk of developing early Otitis Media.[4] Additionally, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and, Beta-carotene are
also helpful in
supporting the immune system and
regulating allergic responses,
which may contribute to the
development of Otitis
Media. [5]
Thymus extract:
Thymus extract is
available in two forms; a
polypeptide extract and whole
calf thymus that has been freeze
dried. This extract has been
researched for a number of
purposes, including HIV
treatment, mitigating allergic
reactions, boosting the
immune response, cancers, and
many others.
There are studies
that show that Thymus extract
can be effective in these
applications. The specific
properties relevant to
the treatment of Otitis Media
are the ability of thymus
extract to moderate allergic
reactions and to stimulate the
immune response. There are some
considerations that must be
taken into account before using
any glandular product, as these
products do come from animals
and represent a potential vector
for infection. Although,
it is important to note that no cases
of illness have been reported
from the use of thymus extract. There have,
however, been two reported cases of toxic
effects from thymus, resulting from allergic reactions
to the components of the
products used. [7,
8]
N-Acetyl Cysteine:
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
is an amino acid that plays a
role in the body as a precursor
for Glutathione, a critical anti-oxidant that
keeps the body safe from
dangerous oxygen quenching free radicals. NAC has another effect when
taken as a nutritional supplement.
N-Acetyl Cysteine has been shown
to thin mucus secretions and may
be used to facilitate draining
of congestion. By thinning the
mucus, congestion is lessened and
there is less substrate for the
growth of bacteria and other
pathogenic agents.
Specific anti-inflammatory
properties of NAC
are also useful in helping
to relieve the symptoms of OM. It
has been demonstrated that NAC
is a safe and effective
treatment for Otitis Media
in various clinical
applications. [9]
Internal
Botanical Treatments-
Echinacea:
Species of echinacea
have long been used in botanical
medicine. These unique
herbal medicines demonstrate
numerous medicinal qualities, including anti-viral,
anti-inflammatory, vulnerary
(wound healing), and
anti-microbial activities. All
of these properties can prove
useful in the treatment of upper
respiratory tract infections,
including those associated with Otitis Media. Echinacea has a
established track record with regard to URIs.
In fact, several studies have demonstrated the herb's efficacy
in treating and preventing
illnesses of the upper
respiratory tract. [10-11]
Topical treatments
for Otitis Media:
Ear oils and glycerites have been traditional
herbal remedies for OM, of which there
are many different formulae and
philosophies. Typically, the
carriers for these ear
preparations is either oil or
glycerin (known as glycerites)
with various herbal ingredients
added. There
is some debate about which
carriers are appropriate, as
there is concern about whether
or not glycerin could serve as a
food for microbes in the ear
canal, including various fungi.
The
advantage of glycerites is that
they form an osmotic gradient
across the tympanic membrane
(eardrum) that can be helpful in
cases of serous effusion (fluid)
in the inner ear. Some of these
preparations have performed as
well as pharmacological agents
developed for the same purpose. [12] Common
herbal additives in ear formulae
include; Garlic (allium
spp),
Mulllien (Verbascum), and Goldenseal
(Hydrastis).
Example Usage:
Place bottle of ear drops under
warm water for a few minutes to
ensure that the drops are warm
enough to flow freely and not
cause discomfort to the child. Instill 2-4 drops of the
preparation into each ear at
bedtime or as needed, and loosely
insert a cotton ball to prevent
the drops from flowing out of the
ear. If the earache does not
significantly improve then it is
necessary to refer to a physician
for possible antibiotic therapy.
If eardrum rupture is suspected,
no product should be applied into
the ear. Immediate medical
attention is recommended. [13]
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Learn More About Otitis Media |
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