How can I help prevent ear infections in my child?

Ear infections are often preventable, and food allergies are one of the number one modifiable causes. Most children will find relief by:

• Following the nutrition plan and cutting out grains and sugars (including soda and fruit juice).
• Avoiding pasteurized milk. Consumption of dairy products, particularly pasteurized dairy, is a culprit for many children. 
• Avoid sugars and fruit juices, which will impair your child's immune response and make them more susceptible to these types of infections.
• If your child is consuming any wheat products you might consider eliminating them if they have had recurrent infections, as subclinical gluten intolerance can be a factor contributing to this problem.

Additionally, breastfeeding for at least six months has been linked to fewer ear infections in infants and babies. Exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke also increases the risk of ear infections in children, so make sure your kids are kept away from cigarette smoke.

The bottom line to remember is that if your child gets an ear infection, it doesn't mean he or she needs an antibiotic.

In fact, in most cases the drugs will only do more harm than good. Before following a knee-jerk response to get a prescription as soon as your child gets an ear infection, work with a health care practitioner who will encourage you to watch the illness and let it take its course before intervening with drugs.

Remember, in the vast majority of cases, ear infections will go away on their own in two to three days with no medications necessary.

You may be able to prevent your child from getting middle ear infections. 

• Don't smoke. Ear infections are more common in children who are around cigarette smoke in the home. Even fumes from tobacco smoke on your hair and clothes can affect the child. 

• Breast-feed your baby. There is some evidence that breast-feeding helps reduce the risk of ear infections, especially if they run in your family. If you bottle-feed, don't let your baby drink a bottle while he or she is lying down. 

• Wash your hands often. Hand-washing stops infection from spreading by killing germs. 

• Make sure your child receives all the recommended immunizations. For more information, see the topic Immunizations. 

• Take your child to a smaller child care center. Fewer children means less contact with bacteria and viruses. Try to limit the use of any group child care, where germs can easily spread.

• Do not give your baby a pacifier. Try to wean your child from his or her pacifier before about 6 months of age. Babies who use pacifiers after 12 months of age are more likely to get ear infections.