Recent research has shown that the antibiotics we have now have a shelf life of 2 years before they stop working. Already superbugs are forming which are resistant to these antibiotics.
Parents are scared and unsure how to treat common childhood problems like ear infections. Doctors have one thing in their arsenal and that is antibiotics. Problem is their effectiveness is wearing out. Many children i see regularly have more than 10 rounds of antibiotics a year and doctors keep giving them out despite the health warnings. The growth of superclinics, increase in bulk billing and the fact that only 1 in 10 GPs is a traditional family doctor has encouraged less comprehensive consultations.
What can we do instead?
Ear Infections…
Research has shown that children given antibiotics for ear infections are more likely to have recurring infections. Studies have shown that ear infections are self limiting. A watch and wait response has been used in Europe with much success. Usually an ear infection will clear up on its own without intervention apart from pain relief.
Further studies have shown that many ear infections are in fact caused by viruses. So it makes sense that antibiotics don’t work as they only work against bacteria.
A more effective strategy naturopaths will use is to build up the immune system to make it more able to fight off opportunistic infections and viruses. Of course pain relief like panadol may be necessary but bear in mind the less you use these pain killers the more effective they are when you really need them.
Removing certain allergy and mucus forming foods can make a big difference for some children. One Ear Nose & Throat specialist in the USA takes all his paediatric patients off dairy after they are referred for grommits and almost 2/3 don’t need the operation anymore!
Parents need support from their health professional and most doctors are too busy and antibiotics are too easy to prescribe. But a good natural therapist will support you through a crisis. Because, as any parent knows, an ear infection can seem like a crisis!
A good herbal ear oil, which we have in clinic made by Rob Santich one of the top Herbalists in Australia, works wonders when lightly heated and dropped in the ears. It works against the pain of ear ache superfast!
Any heat can help, a heat pack or even a hair dryer turned down low.
Cutting an onion, heating the in microwave and wrapping in a tea towel and held over or behind the ear can be very helpful.
Hang in there but if you go and get the antibiotic script from your doctor just wait 24-48 hours before you give it. And call us first! We can also examine your child’s ears without you having to sit in waiting rooms for hours.
Fevers…
Most people do not realize that fever is the body’s way of fighting pathogens. As soon as a virus or bacteria or infection is noticed the body sets off a cascade of events that lead to fever. We need to support a fever by making sure the child is lightly dressed, has enough water to drink and given lots of cuddles. Most parents are terrified of fevers and immediately reach for Panadol or Neurofen. I will ask all my patients to refrain from doing this as I actually find it makes the illness longer not shorter. Let the body do its job, don’t stop a natural reaction unless it reaches a danger zone of upwards of 39C. Some children do have febrile convulsions with a fever and this is not something to become majorly alarmed about but please contact your doctor if you are.
Of course, if you see a rash along with fever or your child has difficulty moving their head and neck or difficulty seeing in a bright light (photophobia) then call a doctor immediately as it may be Meningitis which needs IMMEDIATE treatment.
Sore Throats…
Lots of Vitamin C & Zinc, lots of liquids, no sugar. Sugar depletes the immune system. Studies have shown that White blood cells drop alarmingly after just one sugary drink. Use propolis diluted in water or buy in a spray from the health food shop (Comvita do Extra Strength Propolis Throat Spray marketed as a breath freshener but works very well) and dose up to 6 x a day. Propolis is what the bees use to coat the inside of the hive, and the hive is the cleanest thing in nature, no bacteria, viruses, fungus can live in a hive. It is high in antibacterial resins and adheres to the mucus membranes so is very effective for sore throats. Manuka honey taken straight off the spoon is soothing.
Colds & Flus…
Echinacea taken at the first sign of a cold or flu is the way to go. 5mls 4-5 times a day is the dose. Yarrow Elder and Peppermint tea should be drunk during a cold or flu as it supports the fever and acts like an antiviral. Lots of fluids, Vitamin C (1000mg up to 3 x a day) and Zinc (15mg) a day is useful. Rest Rest Rest. So many people dose up with cold medicine and go to work where they just spread the virus around. “Soldier On” has a lot to answer for! Your body needs rest to recover.
Coughs…
Herbal medicines can work wonders here. Herbs to think of are Thyme, Olive leaf, Elecampane, Mullein, White Horehound, Wild Indigo and Pleurisy root.
Come into clinic for an individually mixed remedy especially for you!
Homeopathy can be useful too, remedies like Bryonia for a bronchitis like cough, Spongia for dry and tickly or whooping cough, Pulsatilla is chesty in the day and dry at night, Nux Vomica is distressing and spasmodic, Hepar Sulph is rattling and chesty. Talk to our Homeopath about which remedy would suit your cough.
Prevention…
Is better than cure! Make sure your diet is low in sugar with enough protein (1g:Kg of body weight, 100g chicken/fish/meat:20g protein) and lots of fruits and vegetables. Zinc is crucial for a functioning immune system. So come in for a free zinc test at the clinic to find out how your levels are. Olive leaf or Echinacea makes a good preventative. Get enough sleep and don’t stress too much!
If you are constantly getting sick or your child is on round after round of antibiotics come in and talk to us. We’ll help you find an alternative!