Recurrent Ear, Nose and Throat Infections

Recurrent infections can be exhausting for adults and children, and cause many to embark on the ‘antibiotics round about’. They often flare up in winter but it is possible to break the cycle by looking at underlying causes and contributing factors.

Structural and Environmental Triggers

We must remove any underlying triggers, such as exposure to pollution / second hand smoke, or chemical sensitivities. An ENT Specialist, Chiropractor or Osteopath can also investigate for structural imbalances in children which impair the effective drainage of the Eustachian Tubes leading to constant ear infections.

A lesser known trigger can be reflux. The irritation on the oesophagus caused by rising stomach acid can trigger a cascade of inflammation that can extend up through the sinuses.

An overactive immune system can also contribute to recurrent infections. This will present with signs of ‘atopy’ such as eczema, hay fever, dermatitis, or allergies. In these cases relief from recurrent infection would be achieved from identifying and removing foods / substances trigger allergy. Wheat and dairy are common culprits and removing these foods from the diet can be very beneficial.

A Reservoir of Bacteria

Eliminating a bacterial reservoir is essential. If an infection is recurrent, it is likely that your body never completely expels the bacteria in recovery, leaving a small deposit lurking in the upper respiratory system. We need to make sure that our immune response is adept at eliminating this reservoir and for those people ongoing immune support (nutritional and herbal) for a course of time is necessary. Herbal medicine is particularly effective in these instances.

Feeding the Immune System

The immune system is fuelled by many nutrients. With repeat infections, it is easy obvious how depleted essential nutrients can become especially when they are not replaced through diet or supplementation. Each time there is infection the immune system will have reduced impact and healing will be more difficult. Infectious agents have a damaging effect on surrounding tissues and membranes, and the body also utilises nutrients for repair providing they are available.

The Job of the Mucous Membranes

Mucous membranes are fantastic and serve a few purposes, such as protecting the underlying structures from further damage and helping to eliminate the pathogen or infection.

The viscous substance produced by cells in the endothelium protects the body and prevents infectious agents to enter. Therefore healthy mucous membranes will greatly improve your immune defence.

It’s All in the Gut

Something which I find fascinating is how mucous membranes in the sinuses are connected to the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. If there are signs of inadequate or unstable mucous membranes in one area, it will be true for the other.

The largest part of our immune system resides in the bowel. In addition to the role mucous membranes play, the balance of good bacteria in the gut is essential for:

Immune modulation (reducing allergic reactions to foods / substances, and boosting immunity)
Increased digestion and absorption of nutrients
Protection from invasion or overpopulation of harmful bacteria
Production of short chain fatty acids and polyamides (support gut healing)
A healthy weight
A healthy mood

Antibiotics can be necessary at times but have the greatest detrimental effect on the bowel by abolishing good bacteria. This Dysbiosis (imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the bowel) contributes to increased infections, IBS, digestive / blood sugar imbalances, decreased tolerance to allergens, and altered moods. After antibiotics, or periods of poor dietary choices, it is essential to replace the good bacteria for optimal health.

Healing in the Kitchen!

Bone Broths to heal the bowl and feed the immune system.

Add garlic, ginger and onion to meals to reduce inflammation and provide immune support.

Quercetin rich foods (onion, dark cherries, dark berries, sage, apples, raw cacao, dill, capers, buckwheat) help to break dissolve mucous, allowing for the sinus and Eustachian tubes to drain more easily.

A teaspoon of coconut oil is antibacterial and anti-fungal.

Cod liver oil provides vitamin A and D heals mucous membranes and is a great way to boost your (and your children’s) immune system in winter.

Enjoy foods with are high in Zinc to support immune defence and tissue healing (peas, pumpkin seeds, seafood, sesame seeds, kidney beans, turkey, beef, cashews, mushrooms)

Vitamin C in winter for immune defence and tissue healing. Choose a ‘buffered’ vitamin C powder / tablet which also contains bioflavonoids to help eliminate inflammation and increase antioxidant support.