Fluid in the ear is known by it's medical name, serous otitis media, SOM, and may also be called otitis media with effusion, OME. Serous otitis media occurs when the Eustachian tube, connecting the inner ear with the throat, becomes blocked and the fluid can no longer drain freely. This condition is more common in children because they have a shorter and more horizontal eustachian tube, but adults may also get it. Because allergies are most often blamed for serous otitis media, the treatment goals are to lower the exposure to allergens and reduce the immune system's reactivity. For best results with alternative treatments, consult a holistically trained practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician.
Diet
One of the most common exposures to allergens happens trough diet. It is important to identify and avoid any foods that cause inflammation of the ear, nose and throat. Some of the most common allergenic foods include dairy products, eggs, corn, wheat, peanuts and oranges. In his book, "Textbook of Natural Medicine," Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., also recommends avoiding foods that inhibit the immune system. These include concentrated simple carbohydrates such as fruit juice, sugar, honey and dried fruit. A naturopathic physician may help to identify which particular foods the person is sensitive to and provide alternative dietary ideas.
Nutritional Supplements
Several supplements have been studied for their effect on the mast cells. The mast cells are immune cells responsible for the release of histamine, an inflammatory chemical. Local or systemic inflammation typically follows allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. Supplements such as quercetin and other bioflavonoids are used for their ability to reduce the allergic response. Pizzorno also recommends vitamin A, beta-carrotenes, vitamin C and zinc, for their supportive effect on the immune system. Consult a naturopathic physician for appropriate combination of supplements, as each person's nutritional needs are unique.
Botanical Medicine
Of the botanical medicines used for fluid in the ear, several have been studied and found to be effective as part of a comprehensive treatment. Urtica dioica, known by its common name, nettle, has been found to inhibit the inflammatory response in allergies. According to a 2009 article published in the "Journal of Allergy and Immunology," other botanical medicines studied for their antiallergic properties include butterbur and spirulina. If used inappropriately, botanical medicines can be toxic or may interfere with other medical treatments. Ask the advice of a naturopathic physician before taking any botanical extracts.
References
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
- "Archives of Pharmacal Research"; Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast cells.; Park HH et al.; October 2008
- "Phytotherapy Research: PTR"; Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.; Roschek B Jr; Fink RC; McMichael M; Alberte RS; July 2009
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Complementary and alternative medicine: Herbs, phytochemicals and vitamins and their immunologic effects; Timothy Mainardi, MD, MS Simi Kapoor, MD Leonard Bielory, MD; February 2009
