How Chiropractic Care Benefits with Chronic Ear Infections in Kids
Over 80 percent of children experience at least one ear infection by age 3 according to NIH. Evidently, an ear infection is quite a common problem. Every caring parent with a young child should, therefore, increase their knowledge around this condition. Fortunately, chiropractor for ear infections is treatable.
But does chiropractic care help with ear infections? Should you consult with a Cumming chiropractor for ear infections? Research around chiropractic and ear infections reveals that chiropractic ear adjustment can help improve symptoms. Such treatment gets administered through safe adjustments such as chiropractic ear pull and others.
It’s advisable to use a chiropractor for ear infection treatment for toddlers. Many parents, for example, consult a chiropractor for ear pressure, a symptom of an ear infection.
What Are Ear Infections?
First things first: what’s an ear infection? An ear infection is simply an inflammation that happens in the middle ear. The infection manifests as fluid buildup that occurs just behind the child’s eardrum. Medical doctors and chiropractors call this condition OM — Otitis Media.
As noted above, otitis media is quite common in young children, toddlers, and infants. Actually, it’s the number one reason parents take their child to an ear infection specialist. As a caring parent, you owe it to your child to become knowledgeable about this inflammation. Only informed parents can take appropriate action and help their loved ones.
Children Are More Vulnerable Than Adults
When it comes to OM, everyone is vulnerable. Seniors, teens, pregnant women, young adults, middle-aged people, young children — no one is immune to it.
However, children are more at risk than anyone else. But why do children face a greater risk of getting OM?
First, children’s Eustachian tubes happen to be significantly smaller than in adults. In children, these tubes have not fully developed and lay flatter, more evenly than in any other category of people. As a result, fluid drains out of children’s ears with much difficulty. Sometimes the Eustachian tubes swell and get blocked by mucus. In such situations, fluid doesn’t drain and that can cause serious problems.
Second, the immune system in young children isn’t fully developed. That’s why it doesn’t work as effectively as that of adults. Not surprisingly, children’s ability to fight off ear infections is less than that of adults.
What Causes Ear Infections in Young Children?
Ear infections are primarily bacterial infections. They happen when a child’s Eustachian tubes swell and become blocked. This swelling and blockage cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
But what causes these tubes to swell and get blocked? According to Healthline, a number of factors cause this problem. These factors include colds, allergies, smoking, and excess mucus. Changes in air pressure and swollen adenoids are also common causes of blockage in the Eustachian tubes.
Typically, ear infections occur when a child has an upper respiratory infection. A child that’s caught a cold or one that’s battling a sore throat is likely to get this infection.
Signs of Ear Infection in Infants
If you notice some or all of the signs listed below, have a specialist examine your child. Without further ado, here are the symptoms:
- The child has trouble sleeping
- The child may demonstrate fussiness and cries often
- They may tug or pull at the affected ear(s)
- They may not detect low-decibel sounds
- Pus-like fluid drains from the ear(s)
- Fever is also common particularly in newborns and younger children
- Pain (albeit mild) may be felt in the ear
- A persistent feeling of excess pressure inside the ear
- They may also experience a general lack of body balance
- Changes in mood/mood swings
What Are the Risk Factors for Ear Infections?
There are a couple of factors that tend to increase the likelihood of developing an ear infection. These factors include moving to an area with a significantly different climate. Also, traveling from a high-altitude area to a low-altitude one can increase the risk for the condition.
Additionally, a child that recently had an ear infection or any other illness may have increased risk. Being exposed to tobacco smoke is another risk factor. Apart from that, using a pacifier may also increase the odds of catching an ear infection.
Does Chiropractic Care Help with Ear Infections
When it comes to treating ear infections, the first thing to do is nothing. That’s because these infections normally treat themselves after some time. In some cases, though, your child’s doctor may recommend interventions such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, these medications come with various side effects. For that reason, they should be used only when the situation warrants it.
Does chiropractic ear adjustment bring ear pain relief for children? Yes, it can. Chiropractic care can help decrease ear infections by improving drainage in the ears. That’s why medical doctors sometimes refer patients with ear infections to chiropractors.
One study that focused on 46 children under the age of 5 reported outstanding findings. The study investigated whether chiropractic adjustments improved symptoms caused by ear infections. Surprisingly, 93 percent of the children involved saw improved symptoms. Of these, 75 percent experienced improvement in 10 days.
Remember: one of the symptoms of an ear infection is a general loss of balance. A chiropractor employs different techniques to restore the patient’s body to perfect balance. Chiropractic ear pull is one of the approaches these doctors use to handle the issue. And it works.
2 Types of Ear Infections in Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children
These are chronic ear infections and acute ear infections. Acute ear infections tend to cause pain that doesn’t last for long. The pain results from inflammation and fluid buildup in the patient’s middle ear. Normally, these infections will clear up without treatment.
By contrast, chronic ear infections in infants, toddlers, and children usually won’t clear up without treatment. And when it does, it keeps coming back. This type necessitates urgent treatment. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent damage to one’s inner or middle ear.
Let a Qualified Cumming Chiropractor Examine Your Child
Looking for a Cumming pediatric chiropractor for ear infections in toddlers? If you’re in Cumming, Georgia, or any of the surrounding locations, consider consulting with us. We’ll quickly connect you with a qualified chiropractor for ear infections.
At Arise Family Chiropractor, we care about every patient that needs our expertise. Our doctors are kind, warm, and of proven competence. Take action before that infection grows worse and lowers the quality of your child’s life. Schedule an appointment now.