Question

Can drinking cranberry juice be used as a possible prevention or treatment for ear infections? Also, I wonder what the effects - short and long term - may be from using hydrogen peroxide to 'bubble' germs out of the ears?

Answer

The value of cranberry juice in urinary tract infections is well known. It's been reported that findings from a US study suggest it may also benefit respiratory and middle-ear infections caused by the bacterium Hemophilus influenzae.

Irrigating with hydrogen peroxide is only used for otitis externa - inflammation of the outer ear canal - and not for middle-ear infections, or otitis media. Often irrigation of the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide (equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide warmed to body temperature using a soft ear syringe) may resolve the problem before it can worsen.

While these measures may prove helpful, it's always best to obtain appropriate advice from a health professional who has examined the patient, and can recommend antibiotic therapy if necessary.

The links below may be helpful in answering your questions.

Links

• Cranberry Juice for Otitis Media
• Ear Infections