What Childhood Infection Cost 3 Billion A Year?
Parents who have pre-schoolers know this answer, the dreaded ear infection also known as Otis-media.
A new study from UCLA and Harvard University indicates that ear infections are not just a significant pain, but they also significantly increase medical costs. Ear infections are responsible for about $3 billion dollars annually in medical care and treatment.
Commonly, ear infections are treated with antibiotic therapy. There have been guideline changes which recommend a more conservative approach to ear infections and the use of antibiotics. Yet, when you have a screaming baby, who hasn't slept and a parent that hasn't slept, the pressure to prescribe an anti-biotic is significant.
While antibiotics are at times lifesaving, and yet for childhood ear infections the new recommendation is to use them less frequently, because of their ineffectiveness, rise of more powerful strains of bacteria and the side effects to the digestion and rare anaphylatic reactions.
"Young children tend to be more susceptible to ear infections due to immature middle-ear drainage, higher exposure to respiratory-type infections, and an underdeveloped immune system. However, having young children does not mean you're destined for a screaming child and pediatrician visits..." - Dr. Ian Shtulman, a Chiropractor whose focus is on Pediatric patients.
Dr. Ian, goes on to say...
"Chiropractors have been successfully for decades, and one of the most common reasons for pediatric visits to the chiropractor are, you guessed it, ear infections!
Physical trauma throughout life (birth process, falls, etc.) can cause subtle deviations in the spinal bones of the upper neck. These abnormal shifts, also known as "subluxations" can interfere with the Eustachian tubes and cause a backup of fluid in the ear, leading to infection. A simple,non-invasive, gentle correction to the deviated vertebrae can help the ears drain normally and the nervous system improve immune function."
This is what we have found at Advanced Chiropractic, we have worked side by side with Pediatricians to help children with ear infections, to the point that ear tube surgery was not needed and repeated anti-biotic use was not necessary.
Dr. Ian has a To Do List for parents, which I agree would be beneficial as well, they are:
To Do List:
1.) Eliminate anti-bacterial soap
2.)get plenty of sunshine (Vit D. for their immune system)
3.)Supplements (we like Omega-3)
If you have a question about this topic, call us at 860.523.5465.
Have a great Day!
Dr. Chris
About Advanced Chiropractic...Advanced Chiropractic is owned and operated by Dr. Chris Chase. Dr. Chris has a direct approach to patient care with a focus on structural correction of the spine, which is a little different than conventional chiropractic care. You can read more about Advanced Chiropractic at or on Twitter or Facebook.
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