Common Ear Problems in Small Children

The sound of a baby screaming while clutching at its ears in pain brings back familiar memories to me!

I’m sure many parents have to cope with the same problems, because infection, discharge and imbalance in various forms are common in this early stage of life. However, with natural medicine much can be done to treat troublesome ear conditions and reduce the risk of recurrence. 

The ear can be divided into the outer ear, the ear canal and the middle ear. The outer ear is what we see on the outside of the head. Its shape helps us to hear, and it also gives protection from foreign bodies that might otherwise enter the ear. The ear canal is a tube that leads from the outer ear to the eardrum and middle ear. The lining of this canal contains glands that produce ear wax, which further protects the ear by making the canal waterproof and trapping small particles of dust.

As the wax dries out, it is gently moved forward towards the ear opening by the cilia, little hairlike protrusions in the canal. The wax can then be removed gently from the ear opening, using a soft damp cloth. It is not a good idea to insert cotton buds or sharp objects into the ear, as they can cause tiny tears in the skin inside the ear which invite infection. If the wax becomes hard, it can be softened by dripping a little warmed olive oil into the ear for a few consecutive nights. Once softened, the wax will find its way to the ear opening where it can be removed. Similasan Ear Wax Relief drops also work well to remove built-up wax deposits in the ear.

CAUSES OF EARACHE

Earache can be caused by the following:

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

This is usually caused by bacteria that thrive in mucus which collects in the Eustachian tubes or sinus cavities, or in a postnasal drip. Middle ear infection is also common in children who have side-effects from inoculations or have a poor digestive system. Children who are prone to middle ear infections often suffer the consequences of repeated doses of antihistamines and courses of antibiotics. Both these drugs harm the digestive processes and liver function, and they should only be used as a last resort.

It is interesting to note that the ear is located on the stomach, small intestine and gallbladder meridian, hence the importance of keeping these organ systems in mind when treating  middle ear problems. The solution here might well be a diet of natural fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fresh fish and chicken. It would be best to avoid sugary, reheated, fried or micro-waved food. In some instances dairy products and wheat-containing foods might have to be limited or eliminated. Good dietary habits are formed when children are growing up, and are encouraged by parents setting the right example. What children learn will last a lifetime, so teach them well!

There are various self-help remedies to treat middle ear infection, in the form of herbal tinctures, tissue salts and homeopathic remedies.  If an antibiotic has been prescribed, it will also be very helpful to restore the bowel flora by giving a good probiotic for a few weeks.

Outer ear infection

Outer ear infection is not common in very small children, but once a child begins to swim it can be an unpleasant consequence of prolonged periods spent underwater. Seawater is often contaminated with bacteria that can cause outer ear infections. A habit of inserting fingers or other objects into the ear of course also leads to irritation and possible infection. Outer ear infection is visible to the eye when the ear canal is red, hot and swollen or a discharge is present. It can come on suddenly and often causes a lot of pain. The  the ear lobe: if this makes the pain worse, it generally indicates internal infection. Middle ear infection can also produce a discharge if the eardrum has perforated.

Self-help solutions for outer ear infection include:

• Easing the pain by applying moderate heat in the form of a warm towel against the head.
• Natural ear  drop remedy to ease pain and inflammation, provided the ear canal is not completely closed.
• Ferr Phos Tissue Salt is an excellent anti-inflammatory that can be given frequently to ease the swelling.
• Apis Mel 30 CH, Belladonna 30 CH and Hepar Sulph 30 CH are homoeopathic simplex remedies that act promptly to relieve pain, inflammation, throbbing heat and smelly discharge.

OTHER EAR PROBLEMS

Parents and carers may encounter various other ear problems in children.

Skin eruptions behind the ear, such as eczema or fungal infections, can sometimes be troublesome in small children. They can be treated effectively with A.Vogel Molkosan liquid in a dilution of one tablespoon to 100 ml cool boiled water. Apply the solution frequently to the skin behind or around the ear, using clean wads of cotton wool.

Flying can be a most unpleasant experience for children who are unable to equalise outer and inner pressures, with the result that excessive pressure builds up inside the ear and is extremely painful. Very small babies can suck a bottle or a dummy, as the sucking action helps to reduce pressure build-up. Natura Kali Mur Tissue Salt is also useful to clear mucus from the Eustachian tubes before a trip by air, as its presence can add to the problem. It should be taken for a week or so before the flight.

Glue ear can develop when ear conditions are not successfully treated and thick, sticky fluid collects behind the eardrum, blocking the middle ear and preventing the movement of the small bones in that part of the ear that is necessary for hearing. Children in whom insertion of grommets or removal of the tonsils or adenoids is being considered in an attempt to treat glue ear need careful assessment, as these procedures are not without their own set of problems.

Speech development in the young child depends on good hearing. However, if a child is displaying signs of slow language development that is thought to be related to a hearing deficit, make sure that your doctor checks for chronic infection or blockages first before rushing into corrective procedures that might have long-term negative effects – and that ignore the underlying cause of the condition!

Complementary medicine usually gets to the root of the problem as well as helping to clear the symptoms. This approach may require a change in diet and lifestyle and a little patience, but the end result can be most rewarding.

The function of the ears is twofold. They allow us to hear and they give us our sense of balance. To lose either of these capacities has severe negative effects on functioning and quality of life. Immediate investigation of any pain or discharge from the ear is therefore of crucial importance. Once a professional diagnosis has been made one can decide how the condition will be treated – with allopathic or complementary medicine, or perhaps an integrative approach that combines the two.

Editor's note: You may find this article interesting on Phytotherapy for Children and Ten Childhood Challenges