Infections of the ears are very common. Children in particular (and their distressed parents) suffer from recurrent bouts of middle-ear infections called otitis media. These infections cause tremendous pain, misery and expense, and indeed may be accompanied by serious complications.

The usual conventional medical treatment often involves repeated courses of antibiotics, which can produce side effects by weakening the child's immune system and by creating antibiotic resistant germs. Chronic yeast infections in later life may often be related to recurrent antibiotic use in childhood.

If antibiotics do not control the problem, then more invasive and expensive methods are usually prescribed - surgery - draining fluid from the middle ear by inserting plastic tubes through the ear drum or having the tonsils and adenoids removed if they have become enlarged. None of these approaches, in my opinion, gets at the root of the problem - a disturbed immune system!

In my experience, it is often possible to correct these problems without drugs and surgery and prevent their recurrence. When it comes to ear infections, an Ounce of Prevention is indeed worth a whole ton of cure. Here are some guidelines:

BREAST FEED

Breast-fed infants get fewer ear infections than bottle-fed ones. Breast milk provides immune factors from the mother called antibodies which assist the child to fight infections. Breast, indeed, is best.

AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS

The foods you eat can irritate the immune system. Dairy products are the commonest offenders. The proteins in cows' milk disturb the immune system in many adults and children. To make matters worse, over 70 per cent of people of African and Asian descent are intolerant to a sugar in milk called lactose. Dairy also stimulates the production of excess mucus, creates congestion in the upper respiratory tract and that sets the stage for infections to develop. If your child gets an ear infection or recurring colds, replace dairy products with soy or rice milk and other non-dairy products.

EAT NATURAL

Many processed foods contain chemical additives - artificial colourings, preservatives, and flavour enhancers, to name a few. These substances often disturb the immune system and deplete the body of essential anti-oxidant nutrients.

Eat more unprocessed foods - especially organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Brown rice is better than white rice and whole-wheat flour is less refined than white, bleached flour. Replace tap water with purified water.

STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

A cold can often bring on the ear infection. Strengthen the immune system by ensuring your child eats a healthy diet, drinks lots of water, gets enough rest and washes hands frequently.

Supplement with the antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E, selenium, the herbs schizandra, rosemary and pycnogenol. Combinations of these are available in tablet form. For small children the tablets can be crushed and dissolved in juice. High doses of vitamin C, along with herbs like schizandra, rosemary and echinacea should be given at the first sign of a cold, flu or actual ear infection.

AVOID SMOKE

Children whose parents smoke get a lot more ear infections than those whose parents do not smoke. Also, do not let other people smoke around your children. To make it even worse, if you smoke, it increases the chance that your child will become a smoker later in life. Dust, especially house dust, fumes and chemical sprays should also be avoided.

EAR INFECTIONS IN ADULTS

Adults will more often get an infection of the ear canal (otitis externa) due to a bacteria or fungus. It causes pain and itching and is usually related to water in the ear from swimming, showering or even washing your hair. A good natural prevention if you get water in your ear is to mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar and put a few drops in each ear. This will help to kill any germs and to remove the moisture from the ear. In severe cases, your doctor may need to prescribe a short course of antimicrobial eardrops.

In fact, when in doubt about ear infections, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. With that proviso, I have seen the measures outlined above relieve and prevent a lot of suffering and expense for many families. Please make use of these simple ounces of prevention.

You may email Dr Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 pm.