Otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear, can occur in children with weakened immune systems. It can flare up as an acute complication of the flu, tonsillitis, whooping cough, sinusitis or even a cold. However, some children can have middle ear inflammation without any other condition. If a child gets repeated earaches and ear inflammation then this is a chronic condition. Sometimes the inflammation does not completely clear up between flare ups and there can be build up in the ear, pain and even hearing difficulties. If a child does get recurrent ear inflammation the fluid build up can cause a condition known as glue ear, this can also be the result of repeated use of antibiotics.
“We came to Canteris Hartley because of our daughter’s persistent ear infections. Not only did she help us with that, but also with so many other things: separation anxiety, eczema and allergies. Now our entire family sees Canteris Hartley and this has given me a new confidence with my ability to affect the health of my family.”
~ M. LeBlanc, mother of 4
If your child is struggling with otitis media and you have tried antibiotics without the condition improving, both acute and chronic middle ear inflammation respond well to homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic treatment can often prevent the need for tubes and grommets, as well.
Some common homeopathic remedies for treating acute otitis media at home at the time of a flare up are:
Aconite – sudden, painful earache with restlessness and anxiety, especially after exposure to a cold dry wind, ear red and hot.
Belladonna – sudden, painful earache with bright redness of the face and/or the effected ear with a high, sudden fever.
Chamomilla – extremely sensitive to the ear pain, very irritable. angry and difficult to console, screaming and shrieking with the pain, worse at night, worse touch.
Pulsatilla – child cries with pain, is clingy and is better by being held and comforted.
Hepar Sulph – Very sensitive to pain with irritability, sensitive to cold air, wind and cold applications, relief from warm applications.
Choose one of the remedies that best fits the overall symptoms and give 3-4 doses in a 30c potency, 1-3 hours apart. There should be signs of improvement after the second dose. If symptoms return again after a few doses the remedy can be repeated until the child is no longer in discomfort.
For chronic otitis media homeopathic constitutional treatment is effective in strengthening a child’s system so that otitis media does not recur and it is best to seek a professional homeopath. With homeopathic constitutional treatment the middle ear inflammation will subside, any fluid build up will naturally drain and a child will no longer be susceptibility to recurrences.
Seek professional help if the bony area at the base of your child’s ear becomes painful or red, if the ear pain continues for more than 24 hours or if your child has a high fever that will not go down, is drowsy, has a stiff neck and headaches.
Homeopathic treatment is gentle, effective and has no adverse side effects, which makes it especially suited for children. Parents can learn to use remedies at home for simple acutes and minor conditions. For more chronic and persistent conditions seek the help of a professional homeopath for best results.