Chronic Ear Fluid in 14 mo

[ellairiesmom]

Just got back from Ped & confirmed DD2s left ear is yet again, full of fluid.  This is the 4th time in 5 mos.  2 of the times, we treated for an infection.  The other 2 were left untreated.  This time, we are not treating.  The 1st 2 times, it was double ears, the last 2, just the left ear.  I am not sure if every Dr makes a distinction between fluid & infection, but ours seems to???  This is throwing me because when I am looking up some natural remedies for pain relief. everything seems to refer to infection, so I am not sure if it's ok.  Does fluid mean infection?

If there is a distinction, are there homeopathic solutions for just fluid when there is no infection (yet)?  I know I have read about Garlic Oil drops but it seemed to be in conjunction with an infection.  I have CVS brand glycerin drops right now. 

I am researching Pediatric Chiros in our area & am more than willing to give that a try immediately.

We are also seeing a chronic mix of runny nose & nasal congestion but she has also had an overall terrible teething time & the bottom 2 molars just finally finished up a few days ago.  DD1 is allergic to eggs & outgrew a previous low level dairy allergy but DH/I have no history of food allergies.  No one in either family does actually.  I will post something in Allergies but was also looking for specific info from a toddler perspective...can you share with me a dairy free menu for your toddler for a typical day?  She loves beans, meat, most veggies, olives, heart to heart cinnamon cereal, eggs & strawberries on some days.    

I am still nursing so I know I am going to change my diet dramatically as well.

Our Ped asked me to think about trying Singulair but I am just not into that idea.  I know tubes may be in our future.  :(   She also wrote a script for RAST bloodwork & I do have a Pediatric Allergist I adore. 

[Momo123]

I may not be able to answer all your questions but my DS went through this last winter, to the point that we had to be "monitored" by a pediatric ENT this winter to see if he would need tubes. He used to have both infections and fluid (or both). 

I learned that fluid does not necessarily mean infection. You can have chronic fluid behind the ear drum that doesn't drain with no infection. In fact, some kids don't even get ear infections and have chronic fluid build-up so they never complain of pain or have fevers etc. Also, after an ear infection, the fluid may still remain and take a while (weeks) to drain. A lot of the remedies like garlic oil is to help with the inflammation and infection so it may not actually help drain the fluid like you said.
 

I definitely think chiropractic adjustments or craniosacral therapy could help with drainage if there's a structural issue. And addressing the mucous/nasal congestion from a dietary perspective would be helpful too. My DS is allergic/intolerant to a lot of foods, and some of his sensitivities do not show up on the typical RAST or skin prick test but he is sensitive to them. Dairy is certainly one thing that can exacerbate mucous problems in some people so it might still be worth looking into. The allergy board is great for more info on that.

[ellairiesmom]

Thx.  We are already having a tough time with the dairy elimination.  She was crying for a yogurt today :(.  She doesn't drink actual milk & I can live without drinking milk for awhile but cheese & yogurt are a big part of our families diet. 

I found a great chiro today but they want $150 for the initial visit & $65 each follow up.  The $65 is not awful but the $150 is tough right now.  We are both working part time & have state insurance that most don't take at all.  I found another one I will call tomorrow.  They mentioned accepting most insurances & working with families...

To be honest though-we are so eager to get her relief, we said tonight we would just suck it up & find a way to do it...

[Momo123]

It is hard to eliminate foods :( Luckily my DS has never tasted yogurt or cheese, but they are too young to understand why they can't have their favorite foods. I hope you find a chiropractor that is somewhat affordable so you can try it out. It's great that you are being proactive about this and trying different things. There are also threads in the Health & Healing board here about ear infections and fluid that might be of help too.

Best of luck!

[sunnygir1]

Warm oil helps increase circulation to the ear, so it can help with fluid.  Also, using arnica oil or other medicinal rubs externally, behind and under the ear can help stimulate drainage.  The Eustachian tube goes from the bottom of the ear toward the throat, so you can massage around the ear and down toward the throat.

My kids often have fluid, and have had occasional infections.  I had chronic ear infections as a child, and my mom refused the tubes and put me on a macrobiotic diet instead.  I grew out of it and never have ear infections as an adult.