[Zen Dao]

I have a 16 month/21 pounds daughter that we recently adopted from China.

She has had frequent ear infections. At least once a month. So far six. She will be having an operation soon to have tubes placed in her ear to widen the canal. I am not sure if this is the best way to go but it is better than risking potential hearing loss. I have heard Asian babies tend to have narrower and more "vertical" ear canals compare to other babies. Even with the tubes in place, she would have to wear ear plugs when she takes a bath or sits in the pool. But I can't imagine the ear plugs staying in place for too long before she takes them out.

We saw a naturopathic doctor for the first time. He was very professional but we felt he was too over confident about how he thought we should manage or daughter's ear infection/immunity. Talked to fast to digest all the information. Too cocky.

He suggested the following:
-- 1 to 2 tsp/day of fish oil (for wax and sleep patterns)
-- 1 tsp/day of immunoglobulin powder (made from bovines)
-- 1 tsp/day elderberry syrup
-- 1 tsp/day of larch arabinogalactan powder with milk or juice
-- 1 capsule/day of acidophilus with milk or juice
-- Ear drops (garlic/oil base) as needed. Can't imagine it going through the ear canal that well?
-- A few drops of alcohol to dry up water in the ear canal as needed (???).

It sounds like a lot of stuff to give to a 16 month old. I certainly want to boost my daughters immune system and minimize the chances of getting another ear infection and colds.

I was wondering what other naturopathic doctors would think of this list/treatment?

Thanks.

[stulchinsky]

Hello Zen Dao,

Thank you for participating in the forum. Sorry to hear about your daughter's frequent ear infections. There is information developed and monitored by alternative health care providers related to your daughter's condition on this website at the following link:
http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/nutrition/index.shtml

I hope this information is helpful. Physicians who monitor these forums respond to some posts but not to all, so please continue to post in the forum as you learn additional information.

I wish you the very best.