Antibiotics and Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Side Effects

As parents, the well-being of our children is our top priority, so we are always trying to stay informed about the choices we make for their health. Today, we dive into a topic that affects countless families – the use of antibiotics in infants and young children. Antibiotics can play a pivotal role in saving lives, but as parents, we must be aware of their potential impact on our children’s health. This blog aims to empower and educate on the far-reaching effects of antibiotics.

If you have young children who have been on antibiotics in their early years, this is for you. We will dive into the dangers of antibiotics in kids and the associated risks, both short-term and long-term. As well as the intricate impact of antibiotics on autoimmune and neurodevelopmental health in children. And most importantly, the natural strategies for recovery.

Every year, an increasing amount of research highlights the risks associated with administering antibiotics to children. Despite decades of awareness, pediatricians, urgent care centers, and other conventional medical systems persist in overprescribing antibiotics at alarming rates. Furthermore, early exposure to antibiotics is identified as one of the top three contributing factors or “ingredients” in what we call “The Perfect Storm.” This refers to the pathway leading to conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic illnesses prevalent in our children today.

The Risks of the Overuse of Antibiotics

1. Increased Risk of Autoimmune Disorders like Asthma and Allergies

Antibiotics, though life-saving, can disturb the balance between your child’s immune system and gut microbiome. This disruption has been linked to a higher risk of conditions such as asthma, allergies, and even obesity in children. 

2. Increased Risk of Neurodevelopmental Challenges like Autism + ADHD

The connection between the gut and brain is very delicate and antibiotics can disrupt. This interference can affect neurotransmitter production - which is essential for higher brain function, cognition, and emotional regulation - potentially contributing to neurodevelopmental challenges like Autism and ADHD.

3. Disruption of Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, plays a pivotal role in a child’s overall health. Antibiotics, unfortunately, disrupt the natural balance of the gut microbiome by killing both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This leads to imbalances and potential gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and, in some cases, more serious conditions that could cause severe colitis.

4. Allergic Reactions

While allergic reactions to antibiotics are rare, they can range from mild skin irritations to severe, life-threatening responses like anaphylaxis. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of any past reactions and communicate them to healthcare providers.

5. Antibiotic Resistance + Development of Secondary Infections

Perhaps one of the most pressing concerns is the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are used excessively or inappropriately, bacteria can evolve to become resistant to these drugs, making infections harder to treat and leading to increased medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality.  Overuse of antibiotics can also lead to the development of secondary infections. 

6. Global Health Threat

The overuse of antibiotics extends beyond individual health; it’s a global issue. It contributes to the rise of superbugs, bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, posing a severe threat to global health security.

Chiropractic Care as a First Choice

While antibiotics remain pivotal in emergencies, there’s an alternative for families under regular Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care at Live Well Family Chiropractic. We offer a safe and natural way to support your child’s defenses against viruses, bacteria, and infections. 

Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors aim to strengthen your child’s body’s natural defense systems rather than directly treating an infection or illness they catch. Adjustments focus on improving their body’s “drainage and plumbing,” providing relief from sinus and ear pressure, facilitating easier fluid movement, and transforming dry coughs into productive mucus-clearing ones. 

In essence, by enhancing the body's "plumbing" and "wiring," your children can clear congestion, inflammation, and infections more efficiently and naturally without resorting to antibiotics or other medications. 

So many parents share with us how consistent chiropractic adjustments and a healthy lifestyle lead to less sickness for their kids. And when their children do get sick, they recover from colds and respiratory challenges faster and easier after adjustments. 

If you would prefer to reserve antibiotics for emergencies rather than the standard first option, consider changing your “batting order” of providers. Begin your journey with us at Live Well Family Chiropractic.  If you are not local to us, check out our PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc office near you! 

Dr. Tara is dedicated to providing you with the absolute best in family wellness care. So take a moment today to discuss with your Family Wellness Chiropractor any concerns you may have regarding your family’s overall health and wellness.

Everything You Need to Know About Croup, Cough, and Kicking It to the Curb!

As parents, we understand that your child’s health and well-being are your top priorities. We know how challenging it can be to watch your little one struggle with croup, especially those sleepless nights filled with worry when they start coughing and experiencing difficulty breathing. It’s heartbreaking and scary, especially when you’re not quite sure what to do to help them. That’s why we want to empower you with the knowledge and strategies you need to confidently navigate croup episodes and provide the best care for your child.

Imagine being able to soothe your child’s croup symptoms, ease their discomfort, and make those stressful nights a thing of the past - all while minimizing the use of medications. In this blog, we’ll share valuable insights, expert tips, and natural remedies that can help your child handle a bout of croup and, even more importantly, prevent and avoid them altogether in the future.

Understanding Croup

What is Croup?

Croup is an infection of the upper airway that primarily affects young children, especially those between 6 months to 3 years old. It’s characterized by distinctive symptoms such as a barking cough, hoarse voice, and labored breathing, which tends to worsen at night.

Medical professionals diagnose croup by observing a child’s breathing, listening with a stethoscope, and may use diagnostic tools like neck or chest X-rays and pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels. Traditional treatment involves corticosteroids, which can reduce inflammation and swelling in the larynx and respiratory system. While these medications can be life-saving, they come with serious short-term and long-term side effects for your child.

Causes of Croup

Addressing common misconceptions about croup is essential to understand that it’s not solely due to exposure to germs but is related to your child’s ability to handle those germs. Factors like birth trauma feeding difficulties sleep challenges, and subluxation can weaken your child’s immune system and make them more susceptible to croup. We’ll delve into how these factors play a role in what we call the “Perfect Storm.”

Chiropractic and How to Care for Croup

Some essential home care strategies include the importance of keeping your child calm and comforted, ensuring they stay hydrated, using humidifiers, and alternating between warm and cold air to ease symptoms.

Chiropractic care does not aim to treat or cure croup but rather to support your child’s natural defenses and improve the function of the neuro-immune system.

Subluxation can disrupt the communication between the brain and the immune system. This miscommunication can weaken your child’s ability to fight off infections, making your child more susceptible to conditions like croup. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper communication and enhance the body’s natural defenses.

The benefits of chiropractic adjustments during bouts of croup are improved drainage, better sleep, shorter illness duration, and reduced medication use. By focusing on your child’s nervous system, chiropractic care helps ensure that their body’s innate healing mechanisms are functioning optimally.

At Live Well Family Chiropractic our hope is that you can take these natural solutions and deploy them to help your little one breathe better, recover faster, and build a stronger immune system so that they experience fewer bouts of croup, cough, and illness down the road!

Dr. Tara is dedicated to providing you with the absolute best in family wellness care. So take a moment today to discuss with your Family Wellness Chiropractor any concerns you may have regarding your family’s overall health and wellness.

A Comprehensive Guide to Nurturing Your Infant’s Development

The journey of parenthood is both beautiful and challenging. As a new parent, you might find yourself asking, “What are the keys to ensuring my infant’s health and development?” In a world brimming with conflicting opinions, navigating the intricate path of understanding what constitutes genuine and healthy development for your little one is often daunting.

That is why we aim to bring you clarity and unwavering confidence. In this blog, we will delve into the four fundamental developmental tasks that infants aged 4 months and under must master. These tasks serve as the very bedrock of your infant’s health, growth, and development. Every smile, every milestone achieved, and even the occasional struggle can be traced back to these pivotal elements of development. So, if your baby is struggling with colic, constipation, reflux, sleep issues or developmental delays, read on to equip yourself with the knowledge to support your child’s well-being.

The Science Behind Infant Development

In the initial few months of life, infants undergo remarkable transformations. However, encountering issues such as colic, constipation, or reflux can lead to countless sleepless nights, which may make you wonder if your struggles are normal or if others are facing the same challenges. While each infant is unique, has good days and bad days, and develops at their own pace, understanding the typical small behaviors and milestones can give parents the confidence they need to get help for their babies or the confidence to stay the course.

The four cornerstones of infant development are: Eat, Sleep, Poop, and Motor Function.

These are the pillars upon which your baby’s well-being rests, and mastering them can make all the difference. Below is what each cornerstone should look like for your infant.

1. Eat (Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding)

o A comfortable and easy latch during feeding

o A strong suck that doesn’t involve biting or excessive air intake

o Controlled and effortless swallowing, adjusting speed as needed

o Minimal or comfortable post-feeding spitting up

2. Sleep

o The ability to self-soothe and sleep soundly

o Comfort in multiple sleeping positions

o The development of a sleep-wake cycle after a few weeks

o The ability to sleep in longer stretches of 2-3+ hours at a time

3. Poop

o Efficient food digestion

o Minimal gas or grunting during sleep

o Regular and frequent bowel movements (the frequency varies but should be multiple times a day during the first 2-3 months)

o Minimal strain or discomfort during bowel movements

4. Motor/Foundation Movements

o Steady head and neck control without external support

o Tracking objects with visual attention

o Responding with smiles upon hearing your voice

o Engaging with hands, including opening and closing them

o Bringing hands to the mouth

o Comfort and willingness to participate in tummy time and interact with toys and people (typically around 3-4 months)

In contrast, if your baby encounters challenges in any of these areas, you may notice:

· Frequent stiffening, arching, head and neck discomfort, and excessive crying

· Difficulty maintaining head elevation during tummy time

· Premature attempts to stand with a stiff and tense posture

· Persistent problems related to sleep, digestion (commonly constipation), and immune function

· Excessive crying, distress, reduced eye contact, diminished smiles, interaction, and babbling

Birth Trauma and Its Consequences

When we dive into the underlying root cause behind why your infant might be struggling, a recurring factor we consistently see as a significant contributor to difficulties eating, sleeping, pooping, or movement is birth trauma. This trauma can impact vital brainstem and cerebellum regions, profoundly affecting their essential roles in facilitating these fundamental tasks.

Factors such as the baby's position during pregnancy, the duration of the birth process, or medical interventions like C-sections, vacuum extraction, or forceps delivery can exert physical tension on the delicate tissues of the

brainstem and upper neck. These regions play a pivotal role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, coordinating motor function, supporting immune health, and facilitating digestion.

In essence, if your newborn experienced stress during pregnancy or delivery, it could affect their ability to eat, sleep, poop, and move comfortably.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

As Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor at Live Well Family Chiropractic, we possess the expertise in helping infants who have endured birth trauma and may be experiencing struggles related to eating, sleeping, pooping, or movement.

If your baby exhibits signs of colic, reflux, constipation, or difficulty sleeping or eating, these are all indicators that your infant’s nervous system is involved. By optimizing your baby’s nervous system function and supporting development, our neuro-tonal chiropractic adjustments can be instrumental in fostering a healthy and thriving baby.

Don’t be disheartened by the notion they will “grow out of it.” We are here to offer support for your baby now!

Dr. Tara is dedicated to providing you with the absolute best in family wellness care. So take a moment today to discuss with your Family Wellness Chiropractor any concerns you may have regarding your family’s overall health and wellness.