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by Santaanacanyon on July 25th, 2003

Santaanacanyon

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How can I prevent my baby from getting ear infections?

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  • by lean16 on July 11th, 2005

    lean16

    I am a mother of two children. I have raised two infants who never had ear infections throughout infancy and yet to have one. I'll start out by telling you what not to do.. NEVER stick a small piece of cotton in your infants ear or put anything in the infants ear without physicians approval first. This is because small pieces of cotton escpacially ones that have been wet down with something could break down in to even smaller pieces . Even the smallest piece of cotton getting stuck or covered over with ear wax could actually cause an infection. You might be asking right now, " How does she know that?" In the 70's when my brother was an infant his pediatrician stuck cotton into his ear which somehow a tiny piece got stuck in his earwax.. the outcome was a serious ear infection .. so serious that he had to have tubes put in his ears. Not only that when trying to remove the tiny piece of cotton his ear drum was ruptured. To this day my brother has constant ear infections and for years after the tubes were taking out he had to see a ear nose and throat specialist. Second you should not handle cleaning your infants earwax out of their ears, because they are more sensitive. Also there ears do not need to be cleaned that frequently. If you feel your infant needs his/her ears cleaned ask the pediatrician to do this for you. Most pediatricians will recommened that they clean their ears because they use a long cotton swab with tighten cotton that doesn't fall apart. Also they will know exactly how far to clean. Never put anything in your infants ear without doctors approval. You do not want your infant to have a serious ear infection or have tubes put in his or her own ears. Its a misearable experience for the infant and you as the parent(s). Always consult your pediatrician!
    In children, the function and structure of the eustacian tube which connects the middle ear space to the nose has not fully developed, so they are more susceptible than adults to ear infections.


    Here are some simple ways to try and prevent ear infections.
    ( I learned these tips from my pediatrician & mother )

    1. Never allow water to get into infants ears.
    When batheing your infant do not fill the baby bath to where the ears can touch the water. Use my tip on washing hair... Do not use a cup or your hands to rinse hair. When washing hair use a small amont of baby shampoo ( Only enough to work a tiny lather around head ) Then use a seperate wet wash cloth and continue to wet it with the water that you can take out of the baby bath before you put him in and the temperature has been tested. If you follow these direction no water will enter his/ her ears and the shampoo will completely rinse out.

    Incases where you ake your infant swimming in a pool. Make sure you purchase a floatation device that your infant will fit in snuggly.You and your infant can have a good time swimming together while you make sure his/ her ears do not touch the water. ( Also your infant can enjoy the memories of the womb...LOL)

    2. The next little devil which is a cause of ear infections is smoke. If you are a ciggarette smoker ect. or your around people who smoke do not smoke around your infant. Ask your company or others to respect the importance of your childs health and to please go outside and not smoke in your home. If your a smoker and its possible for an adult to watch your infant take the smoking outdoors. Try to keep your house a smoke free environment. ( You should never leave an infant unattended for many reasons ) Also never smoke in your car or have your infant in another persons car whos smoking. If its impossible to keep the smoke outside.. Stop smoking, doctors can know write prescriptions for the patch which you'll get them at a lower cost.. or if you have medicade prescriptions coverage for only $3.00. Also if you have a local wic office you can join the support group to stop smoking classes are usually once a week and you can bring your baby and children along they're welcome to be there. They will supply you with not only support , but information and techniques to quite. Here's the bonus FREE PATCHES ARE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE GROUP. I can not recommened smoking around your infant.. The reason for this is many people I know whos children constantly have ear infections think that if they're not holding the infant or in close range- the infant won't be affected. Well I think they've proven themselves wrong. If your really concerned about your infant having eear infection keep smoke away from them. Your infants health is very important - ciggarette smoke is linked to more than just ear infections: such as sudden infant death sydrome, Exposers to second hand smoke can also cause your infant to develope asthma, chronic broncitis and long exposer can cause numerous lung problems such as emphysema, cancer .Your childs health starts in the womb and continues on into infancy.. what your child is exposed to now can affect his/her quality of life. ( Just so you don't think I was a non- smoker my whole life .. I smoked 2 packs of full flavored marlboros for 6 years... It was hard, but when i became pregnant with my first child and was informed about the harm i could cause an innocent baby.. I went through support classes, chewed about on anything i could get my hands on, also ate everything insight. I think the biggest helper was chewing on ice. I wasn't able to use the patch cause of pregnancy. But i quit, now i don't chew straws apart constantly have things in my mouth and i didn't really gain alot of weight either. ( I STILL CHEW ON ICE THOUGH)

    3. When summers gone and fall arrives its a good time for those cute little ear to be snuggly fitted and covered. Cold air hitting an infants ear is a good way to get an ear infection. ( That goes for not only infants, but toddlers, kids and adults.) Sometimes I can't believe the amount of parents who I see out and about during the winter and their children ears aren't covered its drives me crazy! I go the smart way I purchase beanies that fit the child head and ears perfectly... not too loose or to tight- you want your little baby to be comfortable. They can be cheap too sometimes a dollar is all they cost. But you do not want one that is extremely think until your child is older and play in the snow / not too thin to were air can pass through. You'll be able to tell just by feeling them! I usually buy the more expensive ones, only because I like my kids to dress their best. I also make sure I purchase a hoody ( a sweat shirt with a hood connected.) And a jacket with a hood also. The good thing about having a hoody is that during the winter your kids are in the back seat where it gets the most hot.. If you leave those thick jackets on them they'll sweat to death which opens their pores .. and when you get out of the car they can catch a chill from sweating, also now they have more of a chance to catch a cold... pre-heat your car to the right temp... then put your child in the car .. you can remove there jacket and have that great invention the hoodyon. You might want to leave the beanie on so that the temp of the head doesn't change. If you don't over do the heat and purchase the right beanie .. your childs head won't sweat. ( The proof is my many winters of kids with sweatless heads during travel. LOL )

    4. It is also well known not to feed you infant in a laying down position, because the formula can drain back into the ear canal. Keep your infant in an up right comfortable position. Its a plus in many was no ear infection, also you and your child can look close into eachothers eyes. Its a good bond builder. Some parents think that as your infant get older he/she can drink laying down thats false theres a risk of ear infection and choking. Please never bottle prop either no matter how old your infant is. Feeding time is also bonding time don't deprive eachother .

    5.Keep the nose clear. When a runny nose and cold start, do your best to keep the nose clear by using steam, saline nose drops, and suctioning. Infants suctioning is the way to go.

    ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN FIRST HE OR SHE MIGHT HAVE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT I HAVE NOT PROVIDED.

    Here is also some additional information through research.
    *eliminate food allergens (cow's milk is the most common allergen; wheat, eggs, corn, oranges, and peanut butter are also on the list)
    *dust and pet dander are also possible allergens
    *your chiropractor or a cranial-sacral therapist can also help a child with recurrent ear infections
    *preventive remedies are "minor bupleurum" (a Chinese herbal formula) and Oscillococcinum (the homeopathic Anas barbariae), available from your health food store or homeopathic doctor.
    *children in day care have a higher risk of ear infections because there are more germs being passed around
    *avoid forceful nose-blowing.
    From the book "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child"--which can be found in our "Books" section, and from the magazine "Early Childhood News".

    Lifestyle: Tips to Build Your Child’s Immune System and Decrease the Likelihood of Developing Ear Infections
    Breastfeeding – as mentioned above is quite powerful in reducing the number of ear infections in a child. Nursing for the first year is best, but even a few weeks of breastfeeding has shown to decrease the amount of ear infections for the child’s first three years of life.

    Massage – various paediatirc Chinese massage techniques (Tui Na) can be used by the parents or day care providers to help prevent ear infections by boosting the immune system. ( OR ALSO YOU CAN RENT A MOVIE OR GET ONE FROM YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY ON INFANT MESSAGE) Its also a god way to bond with your infant and they get so relaxed sometimes they fall asleep on you. I usually would do this after a nice bath .

    Proper Nutrition, Sleep and Decreased Stress – all help improve a child’s (and adult’s) immunity.

    Limit Day Care Size - to six or fewer children especially in the winter months for children under age 2.

    Pacifier - Stop giving children a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier can pull germs into the middle ear. Avoiding pacifiers can reduce ear infections by 50 percent for children in day care. The ability to decrease the incidence of ear infections by discontinuing the use of a pacifier at an earlier age is one of the most interesting studies I have found. One day while in China, my professor asked me why parents in the West use pacifiers. In China, this is not common and ear infections are also non-existent During my last two visits to study in China I searched for patients with AOM and although I saw over 1000 children in the paediatric and Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) departments I only saw one probable case of AOM. This young patient was visiting from the United States and upon further examination, it was determined that this patient did not have an ear infection. A study published in the September 2000 issue of Pediatrics looked at the effect of simply having nurses give an educational leaflet to parents about the side impact of pacifier usage. As well, the nurses instructed parents to limit pacifier use to moments when the child was falling asleep (and stopping it entirely by about 10 months of age). This form of education decreased continuous pacifier use by more than 20% and ear infections by almost 30%.

    University researchers from Finland included 845 children attending day care in their published study on ear infections. They followed the children in the study for 15 months, keeping track of behaviors which might influence the number of ear infections. In addition to pacifier use, the following behaviours were monitored: breast feeding, parental smoking, thumb sucking, bottle use and social class.

    According to this study, the most obvious factor affecting the frequency of ear infections was with pacifier use, which increased the frequency by 50%. The average number of annual ear infections was increased from 3.6 to 5.4 episodes in those less than 2 years old. In older children (2-3 years of age), pacifier use increased the number from 1.9 to 2.7 ear infections per year.

    One possible explanation given was either the sucking motion associated with pacifier use hinders proper Eustachian tube functioning (which normally keeps the middle ear open and clean). Or, particularly in day cares the pacifiers collect germs which spread infection. In TCM, saliva is considered the fluid of spleen and the excessive use of a pacifier may lead to an accumulation of dampness or fluid that may block the Eustachian tube. Once this dampness has accumulated and stagnated, this may lead to localized heat or inflammation. The authors in the study suggest that pacifiers be used only during the first 10 months of life when the need for sucking is strongest and episodes of ear infections are less likely.

    A more recent study that included only children less than 2 years old also supported the above evidence that excessive pacifier use can increase the likelihood of ear infections. These researchers reported that a 33% reduction in the rate of ear infections was noted when pacifier use was limited. The authors of this study recommend that pacifier use be reduced to moments when falling asleep after 6 months of age and discontinued altogether after 10 months of age. This could be one reason why children in China do not suffer from ear infections.


    Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in raspberries and plums (the following information is from www.drgreene.com). Xylitol is also called ‘wood sugar’, and can be made from the cell walls of most land plants. Xylan, the naturally occurring substance that yields xylitol when refined, is found most commonly in straw, corncobs, oat hulls, cottonseed hulls, and wood. Xylitol is a common food sweetener. Unlike most sugars which have 6 carbon atoms, this naturally sweet substance has only five.

    Unlike other forms of sugar xylitol has been proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria. In particular it has been shown to be effective in preventing dental cavities by inhibiting Strep mutans which are the main bacteria responsible for cavities.

    Since the major cause of ear infections is Strep pneumo, a species of bacteria closely related to Strep mutans, perhaps xylitol would prove effective in preventing ear infections. Researchers from Finland tested this hypothesis and published the results of their investigation in the British Medical Journal (November 1996).

    The study included 306 children in day care nurseries, most of whom had a history of repeated ear infections. Half of the children chewed xylitol-sweetened gum (2 pieces, 5 times a day -- after all meals and snacks); the other half chewed ordinary gum at the same frequency. During the 2 months of the study, 21% of the regular gum chewers, but only 12% of the xylitol group, had one or more ear infections. Gum chewing itself, by promoting swallowing and thus clearance of the middle ear, probably prevents some ear infections. The sugar in the regular-sugar-sweetened gum may have offset this effect by promoting bacterial growth in the children who chewed this ordinary gum. In this study, xylitol dropped the incidence of ear infections by almost half.

    In the xylitol group, children consumed a total of 8.4 grams of xylitol daily. Most experienced no side effects, but two of them developed diarrhea -- a known side effect of xylitol and other sweeteners.

    A small number of children, almost all of them of Jewish descent, have a congenital enzyme defect making them unable to digest xylitol. This condition is called pentosuria and there are no associated disabilities.

    No treatment, and no dietary restriction, were given during the study. The xylitol is absorbed into the body and then excreted in the urine. The only problem arising from pentosuria is that children having this sugar in their urine are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed with diabetes, and receive diabetic treatment. Pentosuria has no relationship to diabetes. Children with pentosuria could still use xylitol to prevent ear infections. This Finnish study, making use of the natural, gentle antibiotic properties of plants, is an exciting development.

    A similar study conducted by the same authors in 1998 (Journal of Pediatrics) confirmed the results found. While much research remains to be done (e.g. the optimal amounts and delivery systems), xylitol seems to be a safe and effective way to reduce the number of ear infections.

    Avoiding Germs – according to modern medicine respiratory infections that lead to ear infections are often spread by touch or by fomites. Frequent hand washing and cleaning of toys are both helpful.

    Fresh Air – in order to have a strong immune system and healthy body, children need to be exposed to fresh air regularly.

    dentify and treat allergies – it is estimated that up to 40 percent of ear infections are caused in part by the Eustachian tubes being swollen by allergies. Dust is the most common airborne allergen and food allergies (esp. dairy products) are also more common in otits prone children.

    Note: much of the modern medical information used in the above article and addendums that follow are from www.drgreene.com. This is a valuable website that is user friendly and full of up-to date information from a modern medical perspective and I encourage you to visit this site.

    THIS INFORMATION FOUND @ http://www.roberthelmer.ca/einfections04.html
    Copyright © 2004 - 2005 Robert Helmer. All Rights Reserved. Designed and hosted by Vision Design


    Well thats all I have to give you information on this subject about, but feel free to e-mail me if you have other questions and want a quick answer. I mean atleast get a return back fast. lol . Thank you for allowing me to assist you.

    Comments

    • You really know your stuff!

      CynS14

      by CynS14 on July 13th, 2005

    • Maybe you didn't have enough kids. My first two didn't have ear infections, others did. Good info here, though.

      jalex137

      by jalex137 on July 27th, 2005

    • Being exposed to cold air does not cause an infection or lead to one. This is a an old wives tale not medically based.

      StarvinMarvin

      by StarvinMarvin on March 15th, 2006

    • Some bad information in this post, much discredited.

      Mini_kilt

      by Mini_kilt on July 13th, 2007

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