Information on Ear infections in Children

Ear infections are a very common complaint in young children and it is estimated that 10 million children are treated for a middle ear infection (Otitis media) in the US each year. Middle ear infections affect the area behind the ear drum and a build-up of fluid and pus behind the ear drum leads to raised pressure, pain and decreased hearing.  Infection in the outer ear canal, called otitis externa, can also cause inflammation, pain, discharge from the ear and itchiness. Ear infections are most common in children between the ages of six months and three years.

There are a number of possible causes of ear infection and bacteria, viruses and fungi can all be to blame.  Colds and allergies may also have a role to play when they cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube, blocking normal drainage of the ear and leading to middle ear infection.

Young children are more likely than others to develop middle ear infections because when the eustachian tube is still maturing, it is oriented more horizontally than vertically, making drainage more difficult than it is in older children. Fluids can collect and become blocked, creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and other organisms.

In many cases, ear infections recur after conventional treatment and may become chronic and difficult to get rid of. Many parents express concern over the frequent need for antibiotic treatment in children who seem to have one ear infection after the other, especially those who are prone to congestion, colds and flu.

Symptoms of Ear Infection:

In infants and toddlers, look for the following warning signs of ear infection:

• Pulling or scratching at the ear

• Hearing problems

• Discharge/fluids draining from the ear

• Irritability and crying

• Fever (possibly red cheeks)

• Vomiting

• Difficulty falling asleep

Older children may also complain of:

• Pain or aching in one or both of the ears;

• Itching of the ears;

• Dizziness or loss of balance;

• Nausea

What is the conventional treatment for ear infections?

Conventional treatment of ear infections generally involves oral antibiotics and sometimes medicated drops.  Though often effective in clearing the initial infection, antibiotics may compromise the immune system, leaving your child vulnerable to recurrence and chronic infection. Some antibiotics can also cause discoloration of the teeth and are also not effective against fungal infections of the ear.

In some cases, small devices called grommets are inserted into the ear to keep the Eustachian tube from blocking. Grommets are prone to falling out and may also introduce further infection into the ear passage.

How can natural remedies help?

Natural remedies can effectively reduce the pain, inflammation, throbbing and discomfort of ear infections and treat the underlying causes without the side-effects and lowered immune functioning so common with antibiotic use.  Natural remedies can also be very effective in the prevention of recurring ear infections, thereby guarding against hearing impairment caused by chronic ear infection.

What are Eddy Ear Sprinkles and Ear-OK Drops?

Eddy Ear Sprinkles are a safe and effective, internal treatment for ear infection, especially formulated for babies and children under 10 years old (adults and children over 10 use Ear-Heal Drops).  Eddy Ear Sprinkles are an effective natural alternative to antibiotic treatment of junior ear infections and are an excellent companion to our Ear-OK ear drops, which are used internally directly in the ear.

Eddy Ear Sprinkles are very easy to administer to babies and small children and address the underlying causes of the ear infection, while Ear-OK Drops are used directly into the ear, helping to reduce pain and inflammation - as well as treating the ear infection locally.

Used together, Eddy Ear Sprinkles and Ear-OK Drops are the natural solution to ear infections in babies and young children.   (See our Special Offer Combo Pack below)

Directions

Eddy Ear Sprinkles are especially formulated to be easy to administer to babies and small children, who all love the slightly sweet flavour. Simply sprinkle a pinch onto the tongue every hour for 6 - 10 doses. Thereafter use three times daily for 5 - 7 days.

Ear-OK Drops may be used directly in the ear until the inflammation has subsided.

Acute: Apply 1 - 3 drops directly into the ear in the morning and last thing at night. Rub ear gently to distribute oil. Continue use for approximately 5 days after symptoms have cleared to completely eradicate the infection.

Chronic: Apply 1 - 3 drops into the ear twice a week as a preventative.

How long until I see results?

Improvement in discomfort, itchiness and pain should begin within the first few days of use. You should see continued improvement over 1 - 3 weeks of regular use.

How long will a bottle last?

One 20 g bottle of Eddy Ear Sprinkles will last for approximately 2 - 3 weeks, depending on dosage. 

A supply of 4 bottles is offered at a discount. See the Buy 3 Get 1 FREE special below.

What are the Ingredients?

Eddy Ear Sprinkles contain the following herbal and homeopathic ingredients:

Chamomile was regarded by ancient Anglo-Saxons as one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world.  In modern times it is widely used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and soothing herb.  Chamomile is also used for treating common infections including colds, bronchitis, throat and ear infections.

Echinacea purpurea is the best known and researched herb for stimulating the immune system. Over 500 scientific studies have documented the effectiveness of this herb.  Research has shown that Echinacea increases the activity of the immune system cells, stimulates new tissue growth for wound healing, reduces inflammation and inhibits growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. These properties make Echinacea the ideal herb for treating infection and reducing inflammation in the ear.

Belladonna (30C) treats ear infections of sudden onset with high fever and swollen glands.   

Pulsatilla (12C) is a homeopathic ingredient used to treat infection following exposure to cold or dampness. This proven ingredient is particularly effective when there is moderate fever and the ear is red and inflamed,  producing a yellow/green discharge.    

Ferrum phos. (D6) is a biochemic tissue salt which has many uses in the body. Two of the most important benefits are in the ability of Ferrum Phos. to combat all types of infection and inflammation. Ferrum phos. also helps to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels and thus improves the body's ability to distribute oxygen-rich blood and iron to all cells, thereby facilitating healing.  Ferrum phos. is recommended at the first stage of any infection for fast resolution of the symptoms.

Calc. Sulph. (D6) is another biochemic tissue salt useful in suppurating conditions including abscesses and ear infections.  Calc. sulph. also speeds up the natural healing process.

Ear-OK Drops contain the following natural ingredients in a sweet almond oil base:

Verbascum Thapsus (Mullein flower) is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb.  Verbascum thapsus is also good for healing of the skin when applied topically and has a long history of traditional use for ear conditions and in ear drops.

Melaleuca alternifolia is also known as Tea Tree Oil and is widely used for external inflammation and to treat various skin conditions. This oil has excellent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and healing properties.  Tea Tree Oil will soothe and reduce inflammation in the ear as well as treat any infection that is present.

Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) is a sweet-smelling essential oil with antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.  Lavender is valued for its antiseptic, healing and calming properties and is wonderful for reducing discomfort and speeding up the natural healing process.

Allium sativum (Garlic) has been used for centuries to treat infection and was popular even during the Plague of London in 1665.  Garlic can kill almost every kind of bacteria but is especially effective against organisms that cause disease, like E. coli and S. aureus while leaving normal, protective intestinal flora unharmed.  Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of garlic in the treatment of a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.  This natural antibiotic is also an excellent tonic for immune system functioning, allowing the body to protect itself from infectious organisms.

Like all Feelgood Health and Natural Kids remedies, Eddy Ear Sprinkles and Ear-OK Drops contain no gluten or artificial flavors, preservatives or colorants.  

FAQ’s

My 9 month old baby girl has an ear infection that is making her miserable.  Can I use Eddy Ear Sprinkles for her safely?

Eddy Ear Sprinkles would be perfect for her and will safely and effectively work to clear the infection and soothe the symptoms that are making her miserable. Eddy Ear Sprinkles are also very easy to administer to babies and small children, who always love the taste!

Can I use Eddy Ear Sprinkles in conjunction with antibiotics?

Yes, you can.  Although antibiotics may cause side-effects and reduce immune functioning, in severe ear infections they may be necessary.  Eddy Ear Sprinkles will then be an excellent additional treatment for reducing inflammation, pain and itching topically as well as preventing further growth of yeasts and fungi in the ear - organisms that antibiotics do not kill. If in doubt, however,  it is always worth discussing this with your doctor as the antibiotics may not be necessary. Remember that Eddy Ear Sprinkles are a very effective treatment for ear infections, especially when combined with Ear-OK ear drops. In most cases it is therefore not necessary to use antibiotics concurrently.

How can I protect my child from future infections?

• Protect your child from second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke increases the frequency and severity of ear infections. Make sure no-one in the home or at school/day-care smokes.

• Protect your family from colds by keeping their immune systems in peak health, avoiding very crowded places and washing hands frequently.  

• Keep your child’s immune system healthy for fighting infections by ensuring he/she eats a well-balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables.  Also avoid giving your child antibiotics when at all possible.  For babies, breastfeeding is the most important single factor in determining immune functioning.  Breastfeeding for 6-12 months has been shown to reduce the incidence of ear infections in children.

• Control allergies by keeping your child away from known triggers such as pet dander, dust or foods like dairy products and wheat. 

• To help keep your child’s Eustachian tubes open and draining effectively, massage with gentle pressure from the back of the ear along and down to the jawbone. Gently push and release the flap of skin in front of the ear several times.

• If your child does contract a cold, try to keep the nasal passages as clear as possible with saline nose drops, steam and suctioning (also see our Congesto-K KiddieRub!)

• Bottle fed babies who drink their bottles lying down are more prone to ear infections because milk can run into the ear while drinking. Feed your bottle fed baby in a more upright position similar to that of a baby who is breast feeding.

• Never insert objects like ear buds into the ear. This only introduces more infection and can also damage the ear drum. Healthy ears are self cleansing. If the ear should become blocked with wax, one or two treatments with our Ear Dr. ear drops will soften the wax and allow it to be expelled naturally.

How have our Ear Remedies helped others?

'Having used your natural products before, your site was my first choice when my 3 year old got a middle ear infection.  As usual, delivery was prompt and the remedies were effective.  My son’s pain eased within the first few hours and he was back to his old self less than a week later. It’s great for me to know I have a supplier of natural remedies that I can trust!' Judith Palmer

'Just to let you know how much Ear-OK Drops and the the Ear Sprinkles have helped my 4 year old son, Troy.  He has had ear infections almost constantly for 18 months and we were really getting desperate.  Course after course of antibiotics only helped for a few weeks and then we were back at square one again and he was beginning to look run down and black circles under his eyes from all the antibiotics, which I really hated!  Using your natural ear drops and medicine with the last course seems to have solved the problem.  Four months on and all still looks good.  I dont know why more doctors dont recommend this great remedy. Thanks again.' Relieved mom

'My little girl had so many ear infections that the doctor said that one more and we would insert grommets which I didn't want. Because of all the antibiotics (which didnt work properly in any case) I was fed up, not to mention the expense! My friend recommended that I try natural remedies which I found on Google. These sprinkles are so easy to give and my daughter loves them. But best of all they work and we havent been back to the doctor since!' Anna Belle

How Do I Order?

Order Ear-OK Ear Drops (30ml)
R121.50 (VAT + shipping included.) 

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Special Offer!

Ear-OK Buy Three Get One Free Special Offer (25% discount)

R364.50 (VAT + shipping included.) 

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It's Child's Play!   Simply Order Online by secure credit card transaction or direct deposit or call 021-7970193, where our friendly health representatives will gladly take your order or help you to make your selection. Feelgood Health - Your Kids Deserve It!

 

Michele Carelse M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
Copyright © Feelgood Health. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 09, 2007 .

 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure and is not a substitute for a professional consultation with a medical or health professional. Do not make any changes or additions to your prescription medicine without first consulting your doctor. Should symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.

Feelgood Health, 23 Constantia Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town. P.O. Box 735, Plumstead, 7801, Cape Town, South Africa. Ph. (+27) -21 7970193, help@feelgoodhealth.co.za