A pediatrician using an otoscope to look into the ear of an 8 month old baby boy.

A pediatrician using an otoscope to look into the ear of an eight calendar month old infant boy. (sdominick)

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During the winter months, information technology seems like kids are sick near every week with another cold, virus or ear infection.

It's non uncommon for a child to have an ear infection— more than than 80 percent of children in the U.Due south. are diagnosed with ear infections past the time they're 3 years old.

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Pediatric ear infections are also the about common condition that antibiotics are prescribed for in the U.S., according to studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association, but many parents are worried about giving their child antibiotics.

Studies show overexposure to antibiotics can alter the microbiome and the healthy gut flora that ward off infections—sometimes fifty-fifty permanently. Antibiotics tin can also lead to thrush, intestinal yeast, diarrhea and a compromised immune organization.

In fact, kids treated with low-doses of antibiotics were more probable to develop a biofilm within the ear itself and more probable to have chronic ear infections in the future, co-ordinate to a written report in the periodical PLOS One.

Why do kids get ear infections?
Babies and immature children are more than susceptible to ear infections considering the Eustachian tube, which connects the space between the eardrum and the back of the nose, is positioned at a horizontal angle, only in adults it's diagonal or more vertical.

"The fluid drains directly into the ear versus draining down with gravity," said Dr. Erika Krumbeck, a naturopathic md who specializes in pediatrics and the founder and owner of Montana Whole Health in Missoula, Montana.

Although your child might accept frequent ear infections, antibiotics may non take to exist the outset line of defense.

Here are viii natural remedies you tin can try:

ane. Wait and scout
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that in depression-hazard kids, a wait-and-lookout arroyo is a better choice than prescribing antibiotics right abroad. The guidelines, however, will vary depending on your kid's historic period, severity of symptoms, and whether the infection is in one or both ears.

Well-nigh physicians will wait between 24 and 48 hours to see if the symptoms will improve, but up to 72 hours is ok, besides.

"I would recommend all parents to question immediately whether antibiotics are admittedly necessary or [if] they have some room to play" according to Krumbeck. "If you can go the fluid that is trapped in that Eustachian tube to drain, and so you don't have possibility for an infection any more than."

ii. Onion earmuffs
It might seem odd, merely "onion ear muffs," can help ease pain and the antimicrobial properties can heal the infection, Krumbeck said.

Slice an onion in half and and then either microwave or simmer it in one-half an inch of water until information technology's soft. Then wrap the onion in a cloth and concur it up to your child's ear for as long every bit he'll tolerate it. Of course, make sure you feel the onion first to make sure it'due south not as well hot.

3. Garlic oil
Studies show that garlic is anti-inflammatory, will salvage pain, and tin fight an ear infection whether it's viral or bacterial, said Dr. Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness in Belmont, California and founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids.

At the first sign of pain, place one drib of garlic oil into your child'due south ears three to four times a solar day. Since garlic can be irritating, don't try to make it yourself— most health food stores sell information technology.

4. Acupressure and essential oils
Lavender essential oil reduces inflammation and when used with acupressure, it can help save ear infections.

The acupressure points are located in front of and behind the ear and the space betwixt the thumb and index finger on the mitt.

v. Use a humidifier
Running a humidifier can assist to annul the dry out indoor air, reduce swelling, moisten the membranes and sparse the mucus in the Eustachian tubes.

half-dozen. Elevate the bed
Prop up your kid'south caput with pillows to let the fluid to drain downwardly. For babies, boost upward the caput of the crib with some books.

7. Vitamin C
An oral vitamin C supplement can reduce swelling in the ears just information technology's important to ask your doctor about the dosage, as too much can lead to diarrhea, Krumbeck said.

eight. Homeopathic remedies
Studies show that homeopathic treatments can reduce the pain of ear infections and work faster than antibiotics.

One to endeavor: ferrum phosphoricum, an anti-inflammatory remedy that specifically targets the eardrum. Use information technology alone or with garlic oil.