Ear Infection Revisited, Again, and Again….and Again

July 25, 2010

So, about 10 days ago I posted how Judah had just had a follow-up with the doc after his 3rd ear infection in a row. He was given a clean bill of health and we were sent on our way. That was a Wednesday. The following Saturday, a mere 3 days later, I was in the walk-in clinic with him again. You guessed it, ear infection came after his ear a fourth time, it got into his middle ear and it went bad, so I lopped it off. I apologize for the Army of Darkness reference there. Jeremiah is a huge nerd and made me watch this movie once in college and that line has stuck with me ever since. Anyway…. We did not lop his ear off, but he was put on a stronger antibiotic and we were sent on our way. This is his 4th antibiotic and infection in 10 weeks. The problem is, they are able to clear the infection but are unable to get his ears to drain. So, the infection keeps coming back. I came home feeling defeated and not really knowing what to do. I trust modern medicine. It has improved the quality of my life and my asthma. But anyone who knows me well also knows that I don’t think it is the answer to everything. I don’t think every problem has an easy medicinal answer.

If Judah gets one more infection within the next few months, his doctors will want to put tubes in his ears. Tubes that could scar his ear drum. Tubes that will fall out in 6-12 months anyway. Tubes that may not prevent further infections. But, then again, they may. I personally do not care to find out. I also do not care to have my child in a perpetual state of pain or constantly taking an antibiotic. So, with the full support of Jeremiah, I decided to turn to alternative treatment for his ear infection.

I have decided to use more natural treatments to try to kill the bacteria. Garlic infused olive oil can be used as ear drops. If you warm the oil up it helps the pain and the garlic is antibiotic. Breastmilk in the ear as ear drops. Again, breastmilk is very warm and soothing to the ear plus it is full of antibodies.

I have also decided that for all future and current infections, I will be taking my kids to the chiropractor for treatment instead of a doctor. I know several people who do this and swear by it. You can read more about the philosophy behind this method here and here.

Judah is already doing great after his first appointment with Dr Jill at First Choice Chiropractic. They adjust a lot of babies there so Dr Jill was very very sweet and gentle. He loved her! I’ll keep you posted on his progress.

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