Alternative Treatment to Ear Tube Surgery

Ear tube surgery, called myringotomy, is a surgical procedure where a tiny incision is made in the eardrum and a small plastic tube is inserted. This tube allows air into the ear and allows infectious fluids to drain out of the ear. There are several alternatives to treat ear infections and should be attempted before accepting costly surgery as the only option.

Antibiotics

• Antibiotics should be prescribed only if an ear infection is persistent over a four-day period. If the ear infection clears up through the use of antibiotics, be aware that if the ear infection is due to an allergy, the antibiotics will only work as long as the patient stays away from the trigger and continues with the antibiotics. Taking antibiotics for an extended time creates a resistance in the body. So antibiotics may not be the best option if the ear infection is a reoccurring one.

Herbal Medication

• Herbal medication is an effective treatment method for both prevention and clearing up an existing infection. Echinacea is effective in clearing up minor infections like colds, which may lead to further ear infections. Tea tree oil is effective in clearing up mild ear infections. Place a drop of tea tree oil into the infected ear to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to check that the patient is not allergic to tea tree oil before placing it into the ear. Test the oil on a small patch of skin to see if redness occurs.

Children

• If an ear infection is reoccurring in a child, changes in lifestyle may help prevent future infections. If the baby is drinking formula for food, try changing brands or switching to breast feeding. Some formulas can cause ear infection due to allergic reaction. Formulas also lack the antibodies present in mother's milk which can help prevent infection. Also, if a baby regularly feeds on their back try sitting them up during feeding. Formula may be draining into the baby's mucus, causing infection.