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Recurrent Ear Infections
Infected ears can lead to symptoms such as fever, irritability, and sleeplessness. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Try xylitol
Control mouth bacteria that cause ear infections by chewing gum or eating candy sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar found in fruit
- Steer clear of smoke
Stop smoking and avoid all sources of passive cigarette smoke exposure to reduce ear infection recurrences
- Pass up pacifiers
Reduce ear infection risk in babies by weaning them off pacifiers
- Uncover food allergies
Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out if food allergies are causing infections
Also indexed as:
- chronic otitis media,
- chronic otitis media with effusion,
- chronic serous otitis media,
- middle ear infection,
- middle ear infections,
- otitis media
About this treatment
About This Condition
Many children suffer recurrent infections of the middle ear, a condition also known as otitis media (OM).
Symptoms
Ear infections can cause irritability, difficulty sleeping, runny nose, fever, fluid draining from the ear, loss of balance, mild to severe ear pain, and hearing difficulty. Untreated infections can cause permanent hearing impairment and can also spread to other parts of the head, including the brain. Frequent or persistent ear infections in children can reduce their hearing when normal hearing is critical for speech and language development.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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