Q: What is otitis media? Is there anything that can help prevent it?

A: Otitis media is doctorspeak for a middle ear infection. This is the most common childhood health problem. This infection causes the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the throat, enlarges and becomes inflamed. This prevents proper drainage of the ear, and fluids can become trapped behind the eardrum, often putting painful pressure on the delicate tissues of the ear. So, in other words, it is commonly not the infection that is causing the pain, but the resulting inflammation and pressure.

The most dramatic treatment involves cutting a hole in the eardrum and introducing a tube in which to relieve the pressure. Besides the risks of anesthesia, results are often short lived, produce scar tissue, and invites infection.

The key to preventing ear infections is to improve the immune function of the body. This allows the body to fight off any infection that may be occurring in the body. There are many ways to bolster immune system function, including proper nutrition, supplementation, and chiropractic care.  Chiropractic adjustments remove nervous system interference, allowing the body to heal itself. Also, chiropractors have techniques that can open the tubes that drain into the throat, allowing the ears to drain and pressure to be relieved.

In health,

Dr. Scott Parham

Clark Family Chiropractic

2300 S. 57th St. Suite 1
Fort Smith, AR
479.484.0805

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