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 license d 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 is a homeopath, a licensed acupuncturist, and doctor of Chinese medicine, specializing in child health care. He has practiced and taught holistic medicine for more than 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has devoted his professional life to writing books and articles about children's health, teaching workshops and homeopathic classes, and curing patients. He is one of only a handful of homeopathic specialists in the field of child health care, and he is recognized within the homeopathic medical profession as an expert in child health problems. In 1997 he was acknowledged one of the Bay Area's best medical practitioners by San Francisco Focus Magazine.

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