Understanding The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause ear infections (otitis media), pneumonia, and other disease, is one of the biggest concerns in the health care world. By improving the over all health and caring for illnesses in a natural way, chiropractic care can help stem the tide of growing resistance. By limiting the reliance and unnecessary use of antibiotics, we can save the use of antibiotics for when they are needed, i.e. to save a life.

Facts About Antibiotic Resistance from the CDC

"Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing
public health problems.
The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has
increased in the last decade. Many bacterial infections are becoming resistant
to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments.
Every time a person
takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may be
left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary
causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.
Misuse of antibiotics
jeopardizes the usefulness of essential drugs. Decreasing inappropriate
antibiotic use is the best way to control resistance.
Children are of
particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use. They
also have one of the highest rates of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant
pathogens.
Parent pressure makes a difference. For pediatric care, a study
showed that doctors prescribe antibiotics 65% of the time if they perceive
parents expect them and 12% of the time if they feel parents do not expect them.
Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for people
who have common infections that once were easily treatable with antibiotics.
When antibiotics fail to work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses,
more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive
and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death."

Ways To Help Prevent Ear Infections

Chiropractic care can do wonders for children who suffer with ear infections (or otitis media), but of course the best thing for the infant is to never get the ear infection in the first place. There are many things that you as a parent can do to help reduce the risk of your baby getting an ear infection. Here are just a few suggestions:

Breast feeding is probably one of the best ways to prevent not only middle ear infections but also other types of infections in infants. Breast milk contains an antibody called “secretory IgA” that is very effective in fighting off infections. This antibody is not made by infants in significant quantities, but is plentiful in mother’s milk. There is a protein found in breast milk that prevents the attachment of bacteria. If a bacteria cannot attach its ability to cause an infection is severely decreased. There is evidence that the two most common ear infection causing bacteria, H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae, are prevented from attaching by this protein.

If you are bottle feeding your baby, whether with pumped breast milk or formula, try to mimic the nursing position as best you can. This will allow her to be more upright and reduce the risk of the milk backing up into her Eustachian tube (the tube that normally drains the middle ear). If baby is allowed to drink the bottle while lying on her back, say in a crib or playpen, the chances of formula backing up and providing growth material for the bacteria, greatly increases.

Another preventative measure that you can take is to improve the air quality in your home. When there is a high level of allergens and irritants in the air, they can cause inflammation in the nose and throat area. Inflammation in this area can lead to blockage of the Eustachian tubes. The use of an electrostatic furnace filter (significant investment $100-200, but long life-span), and negative ion generators can eliminate many of the airborne allergens and irritants. Identify and eliminate sources of dampness in your home, and do everything possible to limit your baby’s exposure to smoke, whether cigarette or wood smoke. The link between exposure to smoke and ear infections in infants is too great to ignore.

Preventative chiropractic adjustments can play an important role in avoiding ear infections in your baby. Not only have the been shown to increase immune system function but they also help to keep the Eustachian tube open and functioning optimally.

I hope that this is helpful in your pursuit to raise a healthy and happy child.