Infant Ear Infections

Antibiotics are useless against most viruses and viral infection. But many doctors persist in treating viruses with antibiotics. Doctors also over prescribe antibiotics, particularly amoxicillan, especially with infants and young children. Ear infection is to babies as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder) is to school-age children.

Unfortunately, even if a doctor insists that the child's illness is not going to respond to an antibiotic, there are parents who refuse to accept this. I've talked with countless parents who are convinced that their child has an frequent ear infections. After all, the infant cries constantly. They are determined not to leave the doctor's office without that little white prescription slip for the 'pink stuff'. The doctor may prescribe something just to satisfy a parent unwilling to look deeper into a child's illness. It's the placebo effect for parents.

Ear 'infection' is a hugely misunderstood complaint. First of all, it is important to note where the infection is in the ear and how this affects treatment methods. Otitis externa is an fungal/bacterial infection of the outer (externa) ear. This infection is otherwise known as 'swimmer's ear'. While swimmer's ear is an infection, it does not respond to antibiotics. Otitis Media or 'middle ear' infection differs from inner ear infection. Frequent 'inner ear' infections will almost invariable cause a doctor to recommend the placing of 'tubes' in the child's ears. The tubes are really a shunt or hole that supposedly drains the inner ear.