Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common diagnoses for children who visit medical offices. They can have symptoms such as persistent crying, pulling on ears, headaches, fever, trouble sleeping, and pain. About 75% of children will have at least one case of it by age 3, and it is estimated that it costs approximately $5 billion per year. (1)
Ear infections, or Otitis Media, is basically inflammation in the ear. Anatomically, it occurs in the area between the inner and outer ear in the Eustachian tube.
Normally, the Eustachian tube's function is to equalize pressure in the ears as well as to drain fluids from the skull, it also changes anatomically throughout development. For example, the newborn baby's Eustachian tube is horizontal, which clearly does not allow natural drainage, and it is also 100% cartilage at this time. As the child grows, the upper part of the tube becomes bone and it begins to slant downward to an approximate 45 degree angle, which encourages fluid drainage.(2)
The top vertebra of the spine is called the Atlas. It is the only vertebrae capable of sliding side to side in addition to rotating. During childbirth, slips and falls, sibling wrestling, common colds, even sleeping in the wrong position for a short amount of time (like in car seats with the head falling forward!) can all cause the Atlas to slide to one side or another and/or rotate. If this happens, and the Atlas shifts to one side, it can pinch the Eustachian tube (and/or the nerves going to it) which prevents drainage. Other vertebrae in the spine can affect drainage as well if they are not in the correct alignment and affecting the nervous system.
Dr. Erin is trained in detecting if these vertebrae are out of place.
How does Chiropractic help it?
Chiropractic adjustments to correct the Atlas are very simple and gentle. The amount of pressure put on the neck is very small, similar to the amount of pressure you'd use to push a phone book across a table. There is no twisting of the neck involved in young children (or adults if indicated or requested!). Best results are if the child is seen a few times in one week, a couple times the next week, and then a follow up the week after.
Will one set of treatments prevent all ear infections in the future?
As described above, many things can cause the atlas to shift positions. If your child is prone to ear infections, it is highly recommended you get them checked on a routine basis. Dr. Erin will recommend what 'routine' will mean for your child. Every spine is different; what 1 week is for some, 3 weeks is for another.
Why is my child more susceptible than her friends down the street/at her daycare/ her cousins?
There have been numerous studies showing that some children are more susceptible to ear infections if they did not nurse in infancy, if they were bottle fed while lying on their backs, if they use pacifiers frequently, their diet, allergies, and even second hand smoke, but the most common cause for susceptibility is a weakness and lack of resistance to viruses and bacteria.
What are the adverse Effects of Medications most often prescribed by the medical community for Ear Infections?
Amoxicillin= Diarrhea, usually mild and dose related, skin irritation, nausea, and rarely kidney and liver effects.
Cefaclor= Diarrhea, rarely central nervous system, kidney, liver, and skin reactions.
Cotrimoxazole= Skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely cardiovascular, central nervous system, endocrine, kidney, liver, and respiratory effects.
Erythromycin= Gastrointestinal effects, rarely serious adverse effects reported for most organ systems
Sulfisoxazole= Gastrointestinal effects, uncommonly and rarely skin, neurologic and allergic reactions.
(modified from Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Clinical Practice Guideline, #12. Otitis Media with Effusion in Young Children. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, 1994, p. 50) (3)
References:
1.http://www.mahalo.com/Ear_Infection#guide_note-NIDCD-1
2.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otitis_media
3. Anrig, C., Plaugher, G. Pediatric Chiropractic. Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore. 1998. pg.609-611