Ear Infections
Helping Ear Infections with Chiropractic Care
An ear infection is painful, disruptive, and the most common reason a child visits their doctor. According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, ear infections account for about 30 million visits to the pediatrician annually. Infants and young children are more likely to get an ear infection than adults. However, older children and adults can get these infections, too. No one is immune.
Ear infections often go away on their own, but in some cases, other interventions are needed. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics, which come with various side effects. While these medications can eliminate bacteria, they do not tackle the root cause of these infections—pressure and blockage in the Eustachian tubes.
These narrow tubes run from the middle ear to the back of the throat. They can become blocked and swollen, causing fluids to build up in the middle ear. This fluid can become infected by viruses or bacteria, leading to painful symptoms. Chiropractic care is a safe treatment option that can help decrease the frequency and symptoms of ear infections by improving drainage of the ears.
Potential Causes for Ear Infections
These infections are not contagious, but the virus or bacteria causing the infection are. Viral ear infections often begin after a cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection. This illness causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages or throat.
Some people are prone to ear infections. Chronic respiratory diseases and other long-term illnesses can increase your risk of these infections. Poor air quality and exposure to secondhand smoke can also increase your risk.
Common Symptoms
- Ear pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Trouble hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness or pressure
- Fluid drainage from the ear
Common Symptoms in Children
- Rubbing or tugging at the ear
- Loss of balance
- Fussiness and crying
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mouth breathing or increased snoring (due to infected or inflamed adenoids)
- Loss of appetite
Uncommon Symptoms
- High-grade fever
- Severe ear pain
- Pus or blood coming from the ear
- Hearing loss
Swimmer’s Ear (Acute Otitis Externa)
Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear canal infection, often following an open scratch or sore on the ear. These infections are caused by bacterial growth in water left in your ear after swimming or bathing.
This type of infection often comes with the same symptoms as a middle ear infection. However, you may also experience redness on the outer ear and itchiness. Other severe symptoms can come with an external ear infection, including vertigo, tinnitus, and vomiting.
Help for Ear Infections at Innate Life Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can help ease the pain and discomfort of ear infections. Unlike prescription drugs or over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s a safe and non-invasive option.
Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and enhance the function of the nervous system. This helps to lower swelling and pressure, allowing the fluid in the ear to drain and work properly again. By improving joint movement and the nervous system’s function, chiropractic care helps your body better handle this type of infection.
Getting Started
Experience relief from ear infections through the power of chiropractic care. Focusing on improving overall function, our chiropractic approach provides a natural and effective solution for managing this discomfort. Discover the benefits of chiropractic care and take a step towards healthier ears and a more comfortable life!
