Food Supplements
Acidophilus and Bifidus powder can be put in food or drinks for small children. This will help restore beneficial bacteria counts.
Herbs
Echinacea is beneficial and a child over 6 years can take the full dose. A child under 6 years should take half that. Take 0.5 to 1g as a tea/infusion, 2 to 4mL tincture (1:5), or 150 to 300mg dry powder extract (3.5% echinacoside).
For acute ear infuctions, try a herbal oil combination, such as olive oil, garlic, and hypericum. Prepared oils are often available at a health food store, but you can also prepare one at home. Chop a clove of garlic and soak it in 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil overnight. Strain and drop a couple of drops into the affected ear three times daily. NOTE: Do not use a herbal oil preparation if the eardrum has burst or if there is a chance of it bursting.
Lifestyle
Breast is best. To prevent or reduce the risk of your child succumbing to ear infections, your child should be breast fed for at least four months. Your child will acquire passive immunity to many pathogens through mother's milk. It will also postpone the introduction to cow's milk and any potential allergies to it.
One source states that 85 to 93 percent of children with chronic otitis media have allergies to food or inhalants, and often both. Avoid introducing highly allergenic foods to your child's diet until they are at least 9 months old. Such foods include wheat, egg, fowl, and dairy. Certain foods should also be eliminated during a bout of acute otitis media, as they inhibit the immune system. These include milk and dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, oranges, peanut butter, and sugar.
The use of a cool air humidifier may also prove beneficial.
Give your child plenty of fluids, especially if they have a fever.
Minerals
The appropriate dose for zinc is found by multiplying the child's age by 2.5mg per day, up to a maximum of 30mg per day.
Miscellaneous
Thymus gland extract should also be used. It has been shown to improve immune function, decrease children's food allergies, and improve resistance to chronic respiratory infections.
Vitamins
Vitamin A is recommended. Children under 6 years should take 50,000 IU per day for two days. Children over 6 can take the above dose for four days.
Beta-carotene should also be supplemented. The dose required is measured by taking the child's age in years and multiplying that by 20,000 IU per day, up to a maximum of 200,000 IU per day.
Vitamin C is taken at a dose of the child's age times 50mg every 2 hours.
