EAR INFECTIONS

EAR INFECTIONS
    Repeated ear infections with fever and pain, requiring cycles of antibiotics, are a sign of continual blockage of the ear canal. (See the section on Earaches in this book.) Infections of the outer ear (pinna) can travel into the ear canal where severe pain is produced. Permanent hearing loss or meningitis can result if treatment is delayed. If antibiotics are unsuccessful, fine Teflon tubes are often surgically inserted through the eardrum, which allows accumulating fluid and pus to drain outward from the ear. The tubes are occasionally expelled within a few days or weeks and constitute a major part of some pediatricians' practices. Other pediatricians refuse to use this technique because of questionable results and the rare chance that the tubes may travel deeper into the middle ear to create new problems.
Swimmers, bottle-fed infants, and recently immunized children frequently experience ear infections.
    * Don't overlook allergies as a cause of the ear infection. Identify the cause, if possible. See your health care provider for further advice. Never send a child with an ear infection outdoors if the air is cool.
    To treat an ear infection, use a drop of T36-C5 or T40-C3 mixed with 15 to 20 drops of warm olive oil. Insert the oil mixture directly into the outside ear canal with a dropper 3 to 4 times daily. Avoid using full strength T36-C5 in ears as local irritation can result. A hot water bottle or heating pad set on low should be put over the ear. Drink 4 to 16 ounces of Melaleuca Herbal Tea every hour to prevent dehydration from the fever.
    In addition, many have found that chronic ear infections can be significantly helped by consistently taking the Vitality Pack with Oligofructose Complex (Vita-Bears for children) and Provex.
    NOTE: The American Lung Association cites formaldehyde as a possible major cause of chronic ear infection in children. Formaldehyde is an ingredient in many cleaning and personal care products commonly found in the home.

EAR INF CTION (OUTER)
Outer ear infections primarily afflict young adults and teenagers, and are a common compliant among swimmers. Bacteria, present in rivers, lakes, pool water and the ocean often affects the outer ear canal. Some researchers believe that an increased risk of developing a fungal ear infection may be related to long-term use of antibiotics or birth control pills.
    * Dab several drops of T36-C5 on a cotton swab and apply to the outer ear twice daily. NEVER drip pure oil into the ear canal. This cotton swab can be used in the same manner as the cotton earplug under Ear Infections.

EARRING INFECTION

Earring infections result from the invasion of bacteria at the piercing site.
    * Wipe earring posts with T36-C5. Rub T36-C5 on the front and back of the piercing hole. Repeat daily until the piercing site is healed. MelaGel or Triple Antibiotic Ointment applied around the earring will make It easier and safer to turn as the healing progresses.