middle of the night? At times, medica- tions are warranted, says McClafferty, particularly in the case of strep throat, which can lead to serious health prob- lems when left unchecked. But routinely medicating away symptoms can interfere with the body’s natural protective mechanisms, McClaf- ferty says. For instance, cough medicine can inhibit the body’s natural effort to clear mucous from the lungs, prolong- ing congestion; also, suppressing mild fevers with drugs can sabotage the body’s own defense against infection. “Even the conventional medical


world has begun to focus on this. They are realizing many of these drugs are not very effective and they can cause toxicity in young patients,” says Mat- thew Baral, a doctor of naturopathy and president of the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians. For example, according to a 2011 review in the online journal of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, antihistamines can lead to sedation, constipation, drying of the mucous membranes and at higher doses, hallucinations in kids. Decon- gestants can increase heart rate and lead to “rebound congestion,” or a worsening of symptoms after a child stops taking the drugs. Proton-pump inhibitors, approved in 2008 for GERD in babies as young as 12 months, have been shown to boost levels of harmful intestinal bacteria and may increase fracture risk later in life, according to a study recently published in Annals of Family Medicine. In 2008, the FDA advised that cough and cold medicine should not be used for children under 2, and called on companies to revise their dosage in- structions to indicate this more clearly. In March, 2011, it went so far as to pull hundreds of prescription cold medica- tions off the market, with FDA spokes- person Deborah M. Autor telling The New York Times that, “We don’t know what’s in them, whether they work properly or how they are made.” While McClafferty is pleased with


the FDA’s recent actions, she remains leery, saying, “I approach all over-the- counter medications for children with great caution and rarely recommend their use.”


PROACTIVE


STEPS to Reduce Ear Infections


by Lindsay Hoffman, D.C.


Extremely painful for children and emotionally draining for parents, child- hood ear infections are the most common reason for pediatrician office visits and trips to the emergency room. To reduce their frequency, parents can take proactive, preventive steps that are sometimes even more effective than natural alternatives to commonly prescribed medications.


Breastfeed According to the Nutrition Foundation, recurring ear infections are strongly as- sociated with early bottle-feeding.


Remove food allergens and limit refined sugar Studies published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and other journals suggest that 85 to 93 percent of children with chronic ear infections may be allergic to milk products, wheat (gluten) or corn. Consumption of refined sugar can suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility to allergies.


Use a humidifier Add one part apple cider vinegar to two parts water and run the humidifier overnight.


Supplement with probiotics Clinical trials noted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrate that probiotics may decrease incidence of respiratory tract infections, a precur- sor to ear infections in children.


Consider chiropractic care Ear infections are the number one reason for chiropractic pediatric visits. A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reveals that 93 percent of all episodes improved with chiropractic care, and 75 percent improved within 10 days.


Lindsay Hoffman is a chiropractic physician, certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association to specialize in natural health care options for pregnant women and children. Connect with her at Chiropractic Health & Happiness, 345 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Ste. A, Encinitas 92024. For more information call 760-487-8157 or email Health@HealthyHappyWell.com. Visit HealthyHappyWell.com. See ad on page 23.


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