Most parents know a thing or two about ear infections. If you don’t, you at least know someone who has had an ear infection. In fact, in the United States, five out of six children experience an ear infection by the time they reach three years of age. Young children are more prone to middle ear infections as a result of their immature Eustachian tube, which is part of the middle ear. This tube is shorter in infancy and early childhood as well as more angled. This difference makes it easier for bacteria to enter into the middle ear. And although children are more likely to get them, adults can also experience ear infections.
Thankfully, there are alternative treatments for this condition that is quite common. Chiropractic care from a Tucker, GA chiropractor can help to decrease the onset or frequency of ear infections. Read on to learn more.
What is an ear infection?
An ear infection is defined as inflammation of the middle ear, which its typically caused by bacteria that is present when fluid is built up behind the eardrum.
There are three main types of ear infections, each of which presents its on combination of symptoms.
- Acute otitis media (AOM), which is the most common type of ear infection. With this condition, portions of the middle ear are swollen and infected. Fluid is usually trapped on the other side of the eardrum, which often leads to pain in the ear and sometimes fever.
- Otitis media with effusion (OME), which may present itself after an ear infection has passed but fluid remains behind the eardrum. Symptoms are not always evident with OME but a doctor will still be able to see fluid behind the eardrum.
- Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME), which occurs when fluid stays in the middle ear over a long period of time or it repeatedly returns, despite no presence of infection. COME can be more difficult for children to fight off new infections and it can adversely impact their haring.
Causes and Other Symptoms of Ear Infections in Tucker, GA
Ear infections can come about as the result of many different causes. Colds and flu as well as allergies are capable of bringing ear infections on due to the resulting congestion and swelling of nasal passages, Eustachian tubes and throat.
The signs and symptoms of ear infection can rapidly develop. In addition to the symptoms listed above, ear infection symptoms from Tucker, GA residents dealing with ear infections may include:
- Lessened hearing
- Ear pain that is worse when lying down
- Trouble sleeping
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Pulling or tugging at the ear
- Crying more than usual
- Irritability/changes in mood
Medical Treatment of Ear Infections around Atlanta
Ear infections in Atlanta often clear up on their own so major intervention is not usually necessary. The best route to take though is that of less intervention. Many medical doctors recommend antibiotics – especially in severe cases and for infants – but there are side effects that are associated with antibiotic use, both short- and long-term. Additionally, NSAIDS (or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often prescribed to relieve pain, which come with their own sets of risks. Using them as sparingly as possible is advised, contact a Tucker, GA chiropractor for more advice.
How Chiropractic Care has been Proven to Help with Ear Infections
Chiropractic care from Tucker chiropractors is a great way to manage the pain and discomfort that accompanies ear infections. Regular chiropractic care can offer patients with ear infections a non-invasive, safe and non-addictive alternative to over-the-counter and prescription pain and antibiotic medications.
A chiropractor in Tucker, GA can deliver a non-invasive and gentle therapy that has been proven by studies to help decrease symptoms of ear infections.
One research study, which was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, looked over records belonging to 46 children, each aged 5-years and below, who received treatment at a private chiropractic practice. Each child was treated by the same chiropractor in Georgia who adjusted them with a special focus on their occiput (neck and back of the head area) and cervical vertebra. The typical treatment plan was about three treatments in week one, two in week two and one treatment for any subsequent weeks. Treatment continued until there was improvement.
Improvement was determined in this study in one of three ways since the study was a retrospective review, including reports by: parental decision, a medical doctor or the treating Tucker, GA chiropractor.
The results were amazing. An astounding 93 percent of children showed improvement while 75 percent showed improvement within one week to 10 days. 43 percent improved after only one to two treatments!
Talk with your chiropractor in Tucker about options to prevent and improve ear infection and pain in your child for a safe and effective alternative to traditional ear infection medical treatments.