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Choosing Alternative Therapies/16 month old toddler has conjunctivitis

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Expert: - 7/31/2010


Question
Hello,  
My little 16 month old girl has bacterial conjunctivitis badly in both eyes.  The Dr. was going to give her eye drops, but I advised against this since it is difficult to wipe her eyes with a warm cloth, let alone put drops in.  She then prescribed Cefdinir oral suspension, with some reservation, saying it could cause her to have a yeast infection and loose stools.  We put ech and goldenseal in her bottles, and give her probiotics.  I hate to give her an antibiotic.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much.  Joy

Answer
Hi, Joy,

I am sorry to hear your little girl is not feeling well. It sounds like you have done some research into alternative wellness protocols already. That's great! I would suggest your talk these over with your daughter's primary care physician. You also may want to connect with a naturopathic doctor who works with children and can meet with you in person to review the particulars of your daughter's symptoms and determine the best course of action for her.

Warm regards and thank you for contacting me with your question,

Dorene Petersen

Choosing Alternative Therapies

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Dorene Petersen

Expertise

I can answer questions related to the process of accreditation, legal issues relating to accreditation, accreditation and transfer of credit, accreditation and military funding, the benefits of accreditation for students and the distance learning community, how potential students can learn more about and verify accreditation, the philosophy of distance learning, the development of distance learning, distance learning and curriculum design, as well as questions relating to holistic health and holistic health education, including: Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Herbalist, naturopathy, aromatherapy, herbalism, homeopathy, flower essences, iridology, holistic nutrition, wellness consulting, and phytotherapy.

Experience

I founded the American College of Healthcare Sciences (formerly the Australasian College of Health Sciences) in 1978 and serve as College President. My BA is in Archaeology and Anthropology from Otago University, New Zealand, I have a Diploma in Natural Therapeutics from the South Pacific College of Natural Therapies in Auckland, New Zealand, and am a certified acupuncturist with specialized training in Chinese herbal medicine and moxibustion. I also serve as Chair of the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) and am a member of the Research and Educational Standards Subcommittee of the DETC.

Organizations
I currently serve as Chair of the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC), an independent, nonprofit organization that administers the national examination in aromatherapy to ensure minimum standards of training and safety knowledge of registered aromatherapists. I also am a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild.

Publications
My articles have appeared in Alternative Therapies in Clinical Practice, The News Quarterly, Making Scents, The Herbarist, and on Blogcritics.org.

Education/Credentials
My BA is in Archaeology and Anthropology from Otago University, New Zealand, I have a Diploma in Natural Therapeutics from the South Pacific College of Natural Therapies in Auckland, New Zealand, and am a certified acupuncturist with specialized training in Chinese herbal medicine and moxibustion.

Awards and Honors
In 2009, I was awarded the Professional Service Award from the International Herb Association for her outstanding contributions to the herb industry.

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