Ears, Antibiotics and Asthma…yet another perfect storm
The number ONE reason for childhood ER visits is surprisingly due to ear infections. The number one treatment of the ear infections are antibiotics. There is plenty of research since about the 1980s that first off, antibiotics don’t work very well for ear, sinus and respiratory infections. And second, they don’t come without side effects. Not only are there short-term side effects such as stomach pain and diarrhea in a lot of kids, but the long term ones are even worse.Some studies have shown that for each antibiotic given to a child in the first year of life, it increases their risk of things like asthma and allergies 2-4x. Plus, it can also lead to resistance and actually INCREASE the risk of re-occurrence. Even the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends a watch and wait approach. “Updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical practice guidelines address the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated acute otitis media (AOM) in children aged 6 months to 12 years. The new recommendations, which offer more rigorous diagnostic criteria to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, were published online February 25 and in the March issue of Pediatrics.”So if they’re known to not work well, known to have short and long term side effects, and known to contribute to what is now a major public health crisis (antibiotic-resistant strains or “super bugs”)… then why do they still get prescribed left and right by pediatrician? We now know that really ear infections are caused by bad “plumbing” and lowered neuro-immune function, and that the overuse of antibiotics are a pretty big problem. The ears are supposed to drain with ease. Unfortunately, if there is a blockage of the fluid, the fluid can get backed up and infection can start. So what is a parent to do when their child is screaming in pain? As a dad I understand that we want to do anything possible to help our children. Especially if they are in pain. Antibiotics are not the answer. There is an alternative that works and is perfectly safe. GET THEM ADJUSTED. This is the missing link to help these children. By getting the spine adjusted, it allows for the drainage of the ear and allowing the immune system to fight off the infection. Try Chiropractic First!!
