Nothing makes a mother feel more protective than seeing their child suffer. Few things make a child more miserable than an ear infection. Before antibiotics diseases like bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, whooping cough strep throat, and even ear infections (Otitis Media) often caused severe and lasting disabilities, or death.
Antibiotic use was instrumental in reducing the number of premature childhood deaths and disabilities. Unfortunately, society went overboard when the discovery of penicillin kicked off the antibiotic era. Today the incidence of many childhood illnesses has risen as antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to overuse of antibiotics have emerged.
Today US children get more ear infections than ever, 10 million new cases of Otitis Media a year accounting for 25 million office visits. That figure accounts for 35% of all pediatrician visits. Ear infections also account for about 25 percent of all antibiotics prescribed in the U.S. The result of this is many parents seek alternatives that are safer than antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of ear infections.
Many times a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection only to develop an ear infection on the other side within months. The cycle can repeat until the infections become chronic. Then ear tubes are often recommended.
One interesting research study (JAMA) compared children who took antibiotics for chronic ear infections to those who received a sugar pill. Those who received the antibiotic had 2-6 times the incidence of recurrence of ear infection. Another study in the British Medical Journal found antibiotics to be ineffective for Otitis Media.
So, What’s a Mother to Do?
Healers , for many centuries, have advocated that with diseases and conditions the cure is in the prevention. The best way to prevent ear infections is with a chiropractic lifestyle. That includes chiropractic adjustments, but also healthy diet and exercise.
Dozens of research studies show the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments on the immune system. One of the most interesting is by Ronald Pero, Ph.D. He is a university professor of medicine, and the head of cancer prevention research at a prestigious New York institution. His research shows chiropractic care can positively affect the immune system and wellness. He compared the general population to people under regular chiropractic care.
Chiropractic practice members under care for five years had 200% greater immune competence than those who did not receive chiropractic care. Their immune systems were also 400% better than patients serious diseases like cancer. [1]
Another study by Dr. Joan Fallon in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics applies specifically to Otitis Media. She wrote, “Chiropractic mobilizes drainage of the ear in children, and if they can drain without a buildup of fluid and subsequent infection, they build their own antibodies and recover faster.” In her study nearly 80% of the children in the study had no other ear infection in the following 6-month period.
A 1991 study in JMPT found improved immune system response with chiropractic care. Blood work demonstrated the changes in the immune systems of people adjusted by chiropractors.”2 “Pac-Man” like cells were stimulated by chiropractic care into destroying “sick” cells.
Nobody likes to see their children suffer unnecessarily. Chiropractic can be a major part of relieving the often unnecessary suffering of Otitis Media. My experience is that children under chiropractic care have many fewer ailments than non-chiropractic children. Are your children being checked regularly by your chiropractor for nerve interference? Should they be?
- Pero R. “Medical Researcher Excited By CBSRF Project Results.” The Chiropractic Journal, August 1989; 32.
- Brennan P, Graham M, Triano J, Hondras M. “Enhanced phagocytic cell respiratory bursts induced by spinal manipulation: Potential Role of Substance P.” J Manip Physiolog Ther 1991; (14)7:399-400.
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