Cause: May be viral or bacteriological. Also may be caused by allergies.

Useful Supplements: Garlic, Vitamin C, Zinc.

Useful Herbs: Echinacea.

Further information: Ear infections (Otis media) are one of the most common of childhood ailments, and one of the most painful. Infections are distinguished by redness and swelling in the ear canal, fluid build-up in the ear drum, and pain. A fever may accompany these symptoms.
Viral ear infections will clear up on their own; time and symptomatic relief are the best treatment.
Bacteriological ear infections may need antibiotic treatment. It is not possible, however, to determine what the cause of an ear infection is simply by looking at the ear. Because an untreated ear infection can lead to a burst eardrum (which has greater risk for severe infection) or hearing loss, many doctors will prescribe antibiotics at the first sign of an ear infection. It is often more prudent, however, to wait before starting this course of treatment.
Most children under the age of two have had at least one ear infection. Children in daycare centers have a greater incidence of ear infection than those who are at home with a parent. Boys have a greater number of ear infections than girls.
Formula fed babies have far more ear infections than breastfed babies. This is due in part to the less developed sucking ability needed for bottle feeding, partly due to formula pooling in the mouth and sinuses (especially when bottle fed babies are fed lying down), and partly (mostly) due to the fact that breastfed babies get many immunities from their mothers.
Allergies, especially dairy intolerance, often exacerbate ear infections. If repeat ear infections are a problem, it may be worth exploring a child’s diet and environment to look for allergens.
If no other treatments prove effective, chronic ear infections may require the placement of ear tubes to help drain ear fluid and keep the ear canals open.

The following supplements and herbs may be effective in the treatment of ear infections:

Garlic oil, applied directly in the ear, is effective both in easing the pain of ear infections and in promoting healing. No drops of any sort should be applied, however, if there is any chance that the ear drum has burst.

Herbs and supplements which are used for treating colds – Echinacea, Zinc, Vitamin C – may also be effective in preventing and treating ear infections.

References:

none