Ear infections - alternatives to antibiotics?

[JordanKX]

I'm actually asking for a friend tonight, who's fighting her first bout of ear infections for her 20month old. Two back to back; she gave him arythromicin for the first bout; didn't work, so now they're recommending another antibiotic, which she doesn't know the name because she doesn't want to fill it.

My son has had bouts throughout his life and has a very cool pediatrician who calls in the prescriptions because he has to, but also says "just don't give them to him". He'll be okay. Granted, my son (18months) has not had the associated fever spikes my friend has had.

Tonight's conversation with her made me concerned that the few times my son has had infections, I am always of the inclination to let it run it's course; and so it his ped. But maybe HER son is of a different level where he NEEDS? antibiotics? She is googling (as we all can google) but I thought I'd ask alternative treatments, if there are any, here.

TIA

[nathansmum]

My doctor also tends to be comfortable for ear infections to run their course. My kids also get fevers as they are fighting an infection (they have only had a couple of infections each).

Things I also do...homeopathy - generally Pulsatilla is the remedy I use. I also make garlic oil and drip it into the ear and let it sit for 10mins or so. I have also used colloidal silver dripped in the ear (used as an alternative, not for the same infection). All have worked for us. We've never had an ear infection (well pain at least) last more than half a night (for some reason my kids seem to get them in the evening).

[organicviolin]

Also breast milk in the affected ear with take care of it.  Works a charm.  Garlic oil and colloidial silver also work wonders.  A lot of times the Rx will not work because well, it just destroys all of your gut flora (which is your immune system) resulting in things happening more frequently and requiring more Rx etc

[JordanKX]

Pulsatilla, garlic oil, silver... got it. Thanks!

I have to admit, I always forget about the Heath forum... I'm just so rote to post here in toddlers. But I'll definitely pass along the info you've provided. And I have pulsatilla to give her.

I questioned breast milk, but she's 2nd trimester pregnant and so she's almost dried up, had to wean her son - but plans to re-establish after her next is born. So... literally, food for thought.

Thanks!