Antibiotics Overused for Children’s Ear Infections?

As parents, we’re quickly reminded of the first day we were told our child had an ear infection.  I absolutely hated the day I heard that Wyatt had his first one; however, it’s bound to happen, right?  Well, we were prescribed our first dosage of the famous Penicillin/Amoxicillin for his first one.  I remember cringing as we filled his prescription.  I didn’t want him to be in any pain, but I hated the idea of starting antibiotics.  I’m not against them when they’re really needed; however, I feel they are being overused and easily prescribed.  I have MANY people in my family who are highly allergic to the penicillin family, so my reservation was even greater due to the allergy situation in our family.  Wyatt has only had 1 ear infection…which didn’t heal completely on his first round of antibiotic.  When we went back in, he was prescribed Augmentin…a stronger form of antibiotic which is also in the Penicillin family.  I had that mother instinct that just told me he wasn’t going to do well with this antibiotic, so I only gave him 1/2 the dosage with worries of how he would do.  Within 30 minutes of the first 1/2 dose, he started swelling with hives from his face down.  Everything from his ears, face, wrists, ankles, tummy….all covered in hives!  Thank goodness I didn’t give the full dosage!!! Thank goodness for my mother’s instinct!

So on that note, I haven’t given him antibiotics since.  I started doing extensive research on other ways you can help your child overcome an ear infection without giving antibiotics every time you turn around.  Some people are hesitant to try natural remedies, but I wanted to take a moment and just throw some ideas and options out there for consideration to any parents out there who feel the same way

Did you all know that Garlic is a natural antibiotic?  Did you know that you can use a recipe of garlic and olive oil to help relieve the pain associated with ear infections and clear them up in about 48 hours?  Recipe is below! I have used this and it works!  This is how I finally cleared up the ear infection from the round of antibiotics.

• Boil 5 cloves of garlic with 1 spoonful of olive oil.  Sieve and use the oil to treat the infection.  Allow the oil to cool to luke warm before dropping into the ear.  2-3 drops should be sufficient.  You can also check out local Naturopathic Physicians in your area.  I have read that some recommend Allimax.

Did you also know that Melaleuca Oil is the scientific name for Tea Tree Oil?  Melaleuca Oil is great for killing Bacterial Infections!  For ear infections, Melaleuca Oil can be used to naturally treat them!  Please note that you need a good quality Tea Tree Oil.  For more information on a great product, email me.  Please note that Melaleuca Oil is known for and used naturally for so many ailments.  The Oil can be used as an Anti-fungal, Antiseptic, Antiviral, and Insecticide!  A quick and easy natural recipe for an Ear Infection is listed below.

• 5-10 drop of Melaleuca Oil and about a Tablespoon of Olive Oil. Warm and mix together well.  Use a few drops in the ear.

Please note that I am not a doctor.  These are only options I have used with my child who has never experience any type of ear problems other than minor ear infections.

Hope to write again tomorrow!

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