DEAR READER:
While I don’t know the reason for your child’s repeated ear infections, I will fill you in on one non-surgical item available on the market. In 2005 the FDA approved the Ear Popper, a non-invasive, non-drug related prescription device for treating fluid in the middle ear, Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media, pain from travel in an airplane, hearing loss, and fullness from sinus conditions and colds.

Popping of the ears is common and is nature’s way of relieving pressure imbalances of the middle ear. When the natural method doesn’t work, pressure in the middle ear becomes higher or lower than in the outer. Fluid can accumulate and hearing loss and pain result. The purpose of the Ear Popper is to equalize pressure in the middle ear by opening the Eustachian tube. This is done by directing a steady but controlled stream of air through the nose. The simple act of swallowing directs air into the Eustachian tube, relieves the imbalance of pressure and pain is gone almost immediately. The popping sound nature makes will be duplicated during use of the Ear Popper and simply indicates successful treatment.

I urge you to speak with your son’s ear-nose-and-throat specialist about this option because it is not appropriate for all ear conditions and patients. Only he or she will know if it is an appropriate consideration.
Because all insurances vary, I cannot guess if the product is covered under any health coverage you might have. I stress this because the unit is expensive. A home kit costs approximately $200, while a professional unit for a physician’s office is $300. Therefore, I recommend you do your homework if this option is of interest to you. All that is required is for your physician to write Ear Popper on a prescription pad that you present to your local pharmacy. If the unit isn’t in stock, it will be ordered for your home use. Or, if you prefer, ask your physician or an ENT specialist if he or she has a professional unit in his office where the simple service can be provided.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

For over a year I suffered with sties and eye infections. My ophthalmologist could only tell me to wash my eye lashes with baby shampoo. He gave me antibiotic cream to apply at night but as soon as the infection was healed, it would break out on the other eyelid or in another spot on the same eye. There was never more than one week between outbreaks.

My sister then found a clipping from a Texas newspaper by an ophthalmologist who said he advised Tea Tree Oil shampoo for his patients. When I took the article to my doctor, he said he had never heard of this therapy. Because I live in a small town, there are no other eye doctors to consult so I went to a larger neighboring town. The physician I saw there said that the fluid in my eyes was too thick because of my age and advised me to wash with hot water and baby shampoo.

I looked for the Tea Tree Oil shampoo but couldn’t find any and then lost the article. I searched the internet but couldn’t find anything. I decided to purchase a small bottle of Tea Tree Oil and added a few drops to my baby shampoo. After just a few days, my eyes healed and I haven’t had a problem since. I continue to wash with the shampoo about once or twice a week as a preventive. That was three months ago! Since then I have found a shampoo that already contains Tea Tree Oil. It is made by Paul Mitchell and is only available in beauty shops/hair salons. It is a little expensive but is more convenient than making my own and, in my opinion, it worth its weight in gold.

DEAR READER:
I was not aware of this treatment for eye infections but if it works, stick with it.

Tea Tree Oil may have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which can explain its effectiveness in treating nail fungus and now eye infections. I have also heard of its use as a cleaner for freshly pierced ears. There have been few studies on Tea Tree Oil. One of the major problems, however, is that there are several varieties of “Tea Tree”. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the type you purchase is the true variety. To the best of my knowledge, the different varieties all have similar effects, but varying degrees strength and effectiveness. (Manufacturers of Tea Tree Oil, feel free to write me with information regarding this product and any studies on its effectiveness.)

Readers, please tell me about your experiences with this product. Perhaps there is something to it that warrants more studies and a future column.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

They are of average weight for their ages and eat well, although like a lot of young families, they have a lot of fast food. Is there anything natural they can take to keep them well longer, or should they be taken to another doctor for a second opinion of why they seem to be ill all the time?

DEAR READER:
Your grandsons are sick far too often. Their pediatrician needs to find out why they are having repeated upper respiratory and sinus infections. A simple X-ray to determine the size of their adenoids (filters in the nose) may provide all the answers. A referral to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist may be in order. This type of specialist can order further tests and recommend treatment options, such as steroid nasal sprays or surgery.

As an aside, if your grandchildren are eating more than one meal per week from fast food restaurants, they are consuming too much. This type of food is loaded with fat, calories and salt. It also does not contain significant amounts of vegetables, fruit and other nutritious foods. An inappropriate diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Children are also especially susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma and other problems if there is a smoker in the family or mold/allergens in the home.

DEAR READER: Yes. But I am also concerned about the possibility of a recurring infection the source of which is still unknown.

The next time you experience symptoms, you need to have various areas checked for infection. This can easily be done and should include a C and S (culture and sensitivity) of your leg, blood stream and urine. If your problem is, indeed, a reflection of a hidden infection, the source must be identified, the bacteria defined and antibiotics prescribed.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.