Download Earaches - Christine Dennis

Growing Kids the Natural Way – Earaches
By Christine Dennis
Earaches can be a very familiar complaint in some children and is most common from 6 months to 3 years of age.
Earaches may result from disorders of the external and middle ear associated with an infection, obstruction or
trauma among other causes. Very young children are often not able to identify an earache rather they are irritable,
cry while sucking on the breast or from a bottle and may pull at or rub the ear.
Cause
The common causes of earaches are inflammations, infections and irritations that cause pressure, stretching,
swelling and/or tension in or around the ear. However, pain may be referred to the ears from other locations that
share the same or similar nerve supply.
Timing of the earaches can help in determining the root cause. For example, discomfort after lunch may suggest
food sensitivities where as an earache following a day of swimming may suggest a bacterial infection in the outer
ear. If there is a history of reoccurring earaches, the use of a diet and lifestyle diary may help determine the cause
or aggravating factor is a food sensitivity is suspected (see sample chart and instruction in CJH Vol. ?, No. ? issue).
A consultation with a Registered Herbalist can help one make sense of patterns in the diary, determining the cause
of the earache as well as offering treatment suggestions.
Differential Diagnosis
Some Common Causes in Children:
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Food sensitivities and digestive irritation - lactose intolerance, eggs, dairy, and wheat sensitivities are
common culprits and should be ruled out first as they can lead to a ‘sympathetic referral’ from the digestive
system being irritated. This is caused from the lining of the digestive system is the same embryologic tissue
that lines the ear tubes. As a result, an irritation in the digestive system can lead to the ears aching in
sympathy.
Cerumen impaction – impacted earwax may cause a plugged, blocked, and full sense in the ear, which may
also cause partial hearing loss, itching and aching. Over production of earwax can be from a food
sensitivity or an essential fatty acid oil deficiency.
Ear canal obstruction – an insect, toy, food or other material may have found its way into the ear, one way
or another, which can lead to distressing noises, pain and hearing loss.
Frost bite – can cause tingling and burning pain in and around the ear, followed by numbness. The ear
appeared mottled and grey or white turning purple after it is warmed.
Windy and/or cold weather irritation – can lead to mild or severe earaches.
Tonsillitis or infected adenoids – can give a sense that it is the ears that are hurting as well.
Ear inflammations – Note - may be caused by a virus, bacteria, or neither.
o Middle ear inflammation –
 Acute serous inflammation – feeling of fullness and hearing loss and the eardrum may be
slightly retracted and marked by air bubbles. Perforation of the eardrum is possible with the
release of a discharge that relieves the pain.
 Acute suppurative inflammation – severe, deep, throbbing pain that increases steadily over
several hours or days with hearing loss and a fever that may reach 38.9 degrees C (102
degrees F). Pressure on or around the outside of the ear may aggravate this condition.
Perforation of the eardrum is possible with the release of a discharge that relieves the pain.
o Outer ear inflammation – begins with mild to moderate ear pain and may be accompanied by a low
grade fever or a discharge, partial hearing loss and a feeling of blockage. Later the entire side of the
head aches and throbs and a fever may reach 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). “Swimmer’s ear” is an
example of an outer ear inflammation that is caused by bacteria entering the ear while swimming.
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Infected hair follicles in the outer ear canal – pain is aggravated by jaw movement and relieved upon the
rupture or incision of the boil.
Mastoiditis – an infection that causes a dull ache behind the ear along with a low grade fever of 37.2 to 37.8
degrees C (99 to 100 degrees F) and a purulent discharge from the ear. This may cause perforation of the
ear drum.
There are many other causes of earaches but they are not common in children. However, it must be pointed out that
most causes of earaches are NOT cause by a bacteria and therefore antibiotics are NOT INDICATED and would
not help but rather can cause more problems. Researchers have just recently suggested a “Wait and See” approach
to earaches and antibiotics - if you are given an antibiotic prescription for an earache, wait two days before filling
the prescription. Additionally, studies have proven that the length of an ear infection is not reduced by antibiotics.
Furthermore, a perforated eardrum does not mean permanent loss of hearing and will heal naturally if left alone.
Chronic ear problems and infections may have an effect of hearing, therefore finding the root cause of earaches is
important. If in doubt, consult a Registered Herbalist for a full ear examination.
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Recommendations
NOTE – NEVER place anything in the ear unless you are certain that the eardrum is not perforated (torn or
broken). This may require examination with an otoscope for complete certainty!
Dietary Recommendations:
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Decrease mucous forming foods, e.g. dairy products, refined and high sugar foods, to reduce the chance of
bacteria and to facilitate drainage of the eustachian tube area in the throat.
Remove food sensitivities to reduce the digestive irritation and sympathetic response referring pain to the
ears.
Essential fatty acids are important natural anti-inflammatory nutrients - fish, nuts and seeds or good
sources. 1 to 3 tsp of flax seed oil per day taken with food is another source.
Give warming foods and many warm beverages such as vegetable soup and herbal tea.
Herbal Recommendations:
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Mullein flower (Verbascum thapsus), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and garlic infused in olive or
almond oil – 2 or 3 drops placed in the ear will help sooth by reducing inflammation, pain and is antibacterial
1 to 2 drops of lavender (Lavandula spp.) essential oil in 1 tablespoon olive or almond oil – place 1 or 2
drops in the ear to help sooth and reduce inflammation
Give a warming and antimicrobial tea to stimulate drainage and healing
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Nervine herb teas such a lavender and chamomile are good for reducing anxiety and stress associated with
earaches.
Other Recommendations:
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A hot water bottle applied to the ear can help to relieve discomfort
To remove excess earwax build up - mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil and a tablespoon of olive oil
together. Then place a few drops of the combination into child’s ear followed by a piece of cotton stuffed in
place to stop the oil from draining out. Leave in place over night and repeat for a few days. This often helps
to soften the earwax so that it may be naturally discharged. Consult a Registered Herbalist if further
assistance is required to remove the earwax.
Hugs, kisses and loving care
Gets lots of sleep – early to bed and afternoon naps helps the body restore balance and keep the immune
system healthy
Prevention of earaches:
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Adequate intake of water and healthful beverages. Avoid sugary juices and sodas.
Stick to whole grains and foods. Eliminate refined foods and sugars.
Good bacteria is necessary for good digestion and immune function. Plain yogurt that is high in acidophilus
and other good bacteria, when flavoured at home is a good source. If there is a suspected dairy sensitivity, a
probiotic supplement can be taken along with a tsp of whole flax seeds in a just a few tablespoons of water.
Do this away from food and before bed.
When breast feeding or if bottle feeding, hold infant in a more upright position rather than flat on his/her
back.
Wear a hat that covers the ears in windy or cold weather.
Avoid child’s exposure to second hand smoke, as it has been associated with higher ear infections and other
health risks.
Address any underlying issues before an earache occurs.
Is it a serious ear infection or just an earache?
If in doubt, consult medical help. However, here are a few tips to help you decide if further
investigation is needed:
Accompanying signs and symptoms that an earache may requiring further medical attention:
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Persistent fever above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F);
Dizziness but no other cold or flu symptoms;
Ear sticks out at a different angle with tenderness behind the ear;
Severe headache and/or a stiff neck;
Appropriate home remedies are not effective after 1 or 2 days of persistent treatment;
Signs that it is likely an earache and not an infection:
 pain comes and goes from day to day;
 history of digestion complaints;
 no fever; and
 Child not acting very sick overall.
Bibliography:
Bartram, T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Grace Pub. Dorset. 1995.
Bates, B. Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. Lippincott Co. Philadelphia. 1995.
Merck Manual. 16th ed.
Schiff, D. & Shelov, S. Guide to Your Child’s Symptoms. Villard, NY. 1997.
Romm, A. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children. Storey Books, Vermont. 2000.
Scott, J. Natural Medicine for Children. Avon Books, NY. 1990.
Zand, J., Walton, R. & Rountree, B. Smart Medicine For a Healthier Child. Avery Publishing Group, NY. 1994.
New Bio:
Christine Dennis RH, MNIMH, MSc is a herbalist with an MSc in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales.
She is a professional member of the Ontario Herbalists Association (RH) and a member of the National Institute of
Medical Herbalists (MNIMH) in the UK. Christine has a herbal medicine practice and offers workshops on herbs
and health on her farm near Port Burwell Ontario. PH 519-874-4532 [email protected]