Managing Chronic Infections
Randall Neustaedter, OMD, LAc, CCH
My four-year-old son used to get repeated ear infections. Now he
is congested all the time, he snores at night, and the doctor says
he has chronic sinus infections, but the antibiotics do not really
help more than a week or two. What should we do?
The problem here is a weakened immune system and an inability to
fight off infections. Allergies may also play a role in these types
of symptoms. I approach these problems with a four-point system.
First, avoid chemicals that weaken immune function and trigger symptoms.
Second, strengthen the immune system with nutritional interventions.
Third, treat and cure the underlying imbalance that causes allergic
reactions with homeopathy and herbs. And fourth, use natural home
treatments that relieve symptoms.
Avoid chemicals that weaken immune function.
Avoid “bad” fats such as French fries and partially hydrogenated
fats in crackers and chips that promote inflammatory reactions in
cells. Decrease refined sugar and avoid all corn syrup products.
Avoid artificial flavors and colors in packaged foods. In a case
like this I would avoid dairy products, since they may be contributing
to allergic reactions or causing mucus buildup in the sinuses. Avoid
exposure to household environmental toxins such as cleaning products,
cigarette smoke, and smoke from the fireplace. Allergy blood testing
may be appropriate to identify other specific food or environmental
allergens that could be avoided.
Strengthen the immune system with nutritional
interventions.
Supplement with cod liver oil (1 tspn cod liver oil per 50 lbs
body weight). Increase vitamin C and vitamin A intake with fresh
fruits (strawberries, citrus, grapes, peaches), and add extra vitamin
C to smoothies. Give a calcium/ magnesium/zinc supplement (liquid
or chewable) to increase resistance.
Treat and cure the underlying imbalance that
causes allergic reactions.
Consult a classically-trained, professional homeopath to get a
prescription for a constitutional homeopathic medicine (see www.hpakids.org).
This is an individualized medicine that fits your child’s unique
complex of symptoms. The correct medicine will stimulate a healing
response in the body and increase resistance to infections as well
as help resolve symptoms. Or visit a licensed acupuncturist to receive
an herbal formula. The correct formula will increase immune function,
decrease congestion, and shrink swollen lymph tissue that prevents
drainage and causes snoring and obstructed breathing. Acupuncture
may also be appropriate to accomplish these tasks. Cranial manipulation
by an osteopath or chiropractor can also contribute to a cure in
this situation by facilitating sinus and lymphatic drainage.
Use natural home treatments that relieve symptoms.
At the first sign of a cold give Echinacea tincture (20 drops three
times per day) and extra vitamin C. Use a homeopathic guidebook
for children’s ailments to prescribe acute remedies yourself, or
with the help of a professional homeopath. This will help decrease
the need for prescription antibiotics and decongestants, which also
weaken the immune system.
Instituting this four point system will start your child on the
way to increased resistance, less susceptibility to infections,
and a resilient immune system capable of maintaining a high level
of health.
Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathic medicine for over twenty
years, specializing in child health care. An accomplished and well-recognized
author, his works include an authoritative text, Homeopathic
Pediatrics, and a popular book for parents, The
Vaccine Guide: Making an Informed Choice (1996), a revision
of his previous book, The Immunization
Decision (1990). He has contributed extensively to the journals
that comprise the homeopathic medical literature. A licensed acupuncturist
with a doctorate in Oriental Medicine, Dr. Neustaedter practices
at the Classical Medicine Center in Redwood City, California (650-299-9170).
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Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.