Austin Homeopathy: Children with Earaches

Otitis Media, or earaches, are a common occurrence in children.  You don’t have to travel far to run into a parent who is contending with a child who is in great pain with this ailment.  As a parent, what can you do about it?

Earaches are essentially a blockage in the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the nose.  Due to allergens or pathogens of some kind, the eustachian tube becomes blocked and is unable to drain fluids from the ear (a normal process).  This blockage creates a lot of pressure and pain for the child, as any parent could attest.

There are many symptoms for earaches.  Though, usually the child may have a fever, can be restless and irritable, can cry and scratch at their ears, may have difficulty hearing, may not have an appetite nor be sleepy.  Acute earaches can last 1-2 weeks if not treated, and can also become more chronic (long-standing) and create other problems like hearing loss if not dealt with appropriately.

The American Academy of Family Physicians state children may be at higher risk for ear infections if they:

• Are around people who smoke.
• Have had previous ear infections.
• Have a family history of ear infections.
• Attend day care (because they are exposed to more germs and viruses).
• Were born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
• Have frequent colds or other infections.
• Take a bottle to bed.
• Use a pacifier.
• Are male (boys tend to get more ear infections than girls).
• Have nasal speech (caused by large adenoids that block the eustachian tube).
• Have allergies with nasal congestion.

As a parent, what can you do about it?  In Austin, homeopathy is one of the most effective solutions for helping kids who have earaches, whether it be an acute exacerbation or a more chronic problem.

Because homeopathy works with the inherent healing ability of the body, it can help in most situations where there is an earache.  The homeopathic remedy you choose will depend a great deal on the unique expression of symptoms your child may be exhibiting.  Below is a brief list of homeopathic remedies you can choose for your child if they are having an earache:

Chamomilla: Extremely painful earache.  Very sensitive to pain.  They are worse from being touched or having the ears examined.  They feel better from being carried.  In general, their disposition is screaming, unbearably irritable and demanding, and must be carried.

Pulsatilla: Begins with a cold that develops into an earache.  There is a painful fullness or bursting sensation of the ear.  They feel worse from heat and better from cool, open air.  Their disposition is very weepy, they need affection and caresses, and want to be carried slowly and tenderly.

Silica: This is the main remedy used with children who have chronic and serious earaches that lead to hearing loss and chronic pain.  Stopped, “glue” ears, often with popping, crackling noises in the ear; better from yawning or swallowing.  In general, worse from the cold, uncovering the ear, wind, or loud noises.  

Belladonna: Sudden onset of pulsing, unbearable ear pain.  Terrible, throbbing pains, especially on the right ear.  In general, they are worse at 3pm and from being jarred.  In general, it is associated with very high fever, red face and glassy, glistening eyes, with dilated pupils.  They have a hot, flushed face but cold hands and feet.

Please note this list is not comprehensive and is intended only for educational use.  It is not meant to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any disease.  

It’s always best to consult a qualified homeopath for your child’s needs.  In Austin, homeopathy is available to you from the Austin Clinic of Homeopathy.  Please contact me for further information.

Thanks for reading, 
Noel

Information about the homeopathic remedies were consulted from: Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology.  Roger Morrison, MD.  1998.