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.