Pediatric Earaches and Ear infections

Additional Handouts Resources for Providers

Resources for Parents:

-       See the PedANP Garlic Mullein Ear Oil Handout

-       See the PedANP Onion Earmuffs Handout

Resources for Practitioners:

-       AAP’s AOM Guidelines and Management: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/3/e964

-       Cerumen removal is imperative in order to diagnose AOM in children

-       Pneumatic otoscopy is recommended to determine the movement of the tympanic membrane

-       Middle ear effusion without fever and/or otalgia is not AOM

-       Refer to an ENT if MEE lasts longer than 3 months; refer earlier if the child is at risk for significant language delays and has MEE and hearing loss after an episode of AOM

-       Treat bullous myringitis the same way that you would treat AOM

-       3 episodes of AOM in 6 months or 4 episodes in 1 year with 1 episode within the last 6 months is a candidate for tubes; refer to ENT

Naturopathic treatments:

-       Probiotics. (Away from antibiotic administration/Twice daily after antibiotics have been completed then once daily x 6 months minimum)

-       Garlic Mullein Ear Oil

-       Onion Earmuffs

-       Arabinogalactans for prevention - 1 scoop daily at the start of cold and flu season

-       Viral herbal glycerites

-       Elderberry Syrup

-       Homeopathics may include: Belladonna, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla

-       Dietary elimination in chronic cases

-       Consider dairy, soy, corn, gluten

References:

1.)   https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-otitis-media-in-children-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis?search=acute%20otitis%20media%20children&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

2.)   https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/3/e964

3.)   https://www.uptodate.com/contents/ear-infections-otitis-media-in-children-beyond-the-basics?search=Acute%20otitis%20media&topicRef=6009&source=see_link