The 3 Most Common Underlying Factors of Ear Infections

It used to be that your child got an ear infection and antibiotics were prescribed. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics currently suggests the best method to help with ear infections is actually the “watchful waiting” approach.


This approach gives the child’s system time to fight off the infection and heal. As parents, it is gut-wrenching to watch your child experience the discomfort that ear infections provoke during this watch period. So, why is it that some of the previously advised methods don’t produce the long-lasting results we’re all hoping for? And what causes ear infections in the first place?

Ear infections are the number one reason parents take their infants and children to the doctor’s office. Nearly 90% of all children in the United States have at least one ear infection in their lifetime, making this one of the most prevalent issues facing our kids.

Recent research states that 7 out of 10 ear infections involve viruses, not bacteria. Therefore, this information suggests the change in traditional treatment methods, including prescribed antibiotics, due to being ineffective at fighting an ear infection if it’s of a viral origin.

One of the most common culprits to ear infections is a general weakened system. Our bodies are amazing in so many different ways. We have an incredible ability to adapt because our body has a way to communicate and coordinate specific parts to work together. Some of these parts include our nervous, immune, and digestive systems.

These systems are in constant communication with one another allowing the best protection for the body from microbes (bacteria, allergens, viruses, etc.). The majority of this protection is actually based within our digestion system.

Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. This collaboration only works well because of the information sent to and from the nervous system, which helps coordinate the specific functions of all the other systems . Generally, when kids experience ear infections, colds, flu, asthma, allergies, or long-term immune challenges, there are three underlying factors. They include:

  1. Poor Plumbing and Drainage

  2. Decreased immune response due to neurological stress

  3. Changes with the digestive system

Over the next few weeks with we be taking a deeper look in the cause of the ear infections and ways to help manage them, correct the root problem, and provide extra comfort to our little ones.

In the meantime be sure to follow us on social media to learn more about how chiropractic care can help with ear infections and help support you and your family to better health.