Are Ear Infections “Normal” in Childhood?
Ear infections are the leading reason families visit pediatricians, but are they a normal part of childhood? While they’re common, ear infections are not "normal." Let’s explore why they happen, what causes them, and how to address them effectively.
Why Are Children Prone to Ear Infections?
Children’s eustachian tubes, which drain fluid from the inner ear, are less angled than those in adults, making fluid buildup more likely. This anatomical difference explains why ear infections are more frequent in kids, but it doesn’t mean they’re inevitable or "normal."
Why Does My Child Keep Getting Ear Infections?
Parents often wonder, “Is my child constantly exposed to more germs?” The answer is no. All children are surrounded by the same viruses and bacteria in their environment—on playgrounds, at home, or even in their food. These microorganisms are a natural part of life and help build strong immune systems. So, if germs aren’t the root cause, what is?
The key issue is stagnant fluid in the ear. When fluid doesn’t drain properly, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, leading to infections. But why does this fluid build up in the first place?
How Do Ears Drain?
To understand ear drainage, consider this: you can eat and swallow food while standing on your head because your esophagus actively pumps food to your stomach. A similar mechanism exists in the ear. The eustachian tubes rely on three components to drain fluid effectively:
Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle: Helps open the eustachian tube.
Salpingopharyngeus Muscle: Supports tube function.
Atlas Bone: A small bone in the upper neck that aids proper movement.
These three work together to "pump" fluid out of the inner ear. When they don’t function correctly, fluid accumulates, leading to infections.
What Causes Poor Ear Drainage?
The root cause often lies in physical trauma, particularly from the birth process—one of the most intense experiences a human undergoes. Modern medical interventions like cesarean sections, epidurals, pitocin, or vacuum extractions can increase trauma to the head and neck. A study by German scientist Dr. Gutman found that 80% of over 1,000 newborns had dysfunction in the atlas bone, often due to birth trauma.
When the atlas bone is misaligned or not moving properly, it irritates nerves that control the muscles responsible for ear drainage. This leads to poor muscle activation, stagnant fluid, and, ultimately, ear infections.
Additionally, atlas misalignment can reduce nourishment to the brain, putting the body in a stressed state. This stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections.
Are Antibiotics or Tubes the Answer?
Antibiotics don’t address the underlying drainage issue, and surgically inserting tubes to drain fluid is an invasive option. So, what’s a better approach?
To resolve chronic ear infections, focus on:
Aligning the Atlas Bone: Proper alignment restores normal movement.
Restoring Nerve Function: Healthy nerves ensure the muscles work correctly.
Reducing Stress on the Nervous System: A balanced brain supports overall health.
Boosting Immunity: Strengthening the Th1 immune response helps fight infections.
How Can You Check for Neurological Issues?
At Pure Light, we use state-of-the-art, non-invasive neurological scans that are painless and radiation-free. These scans help identify interference in your child’s nervous system, which may contribute to chronic ear infections.
Helping Your Child Thrive
Our goal is simple: help your child adapt to today’s stressful, toxin-filled world by creating balance in their central nervous system. By addressing the root cause of ear infections—stagnant fluid due to atlas misalignment and nerve irritation—you can support your child’s natural ability to stay healthy.
Is it time to help your child reach their full health potential? Contact us to learn more about how we can support your family’s wellness journey.