Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy)-

First off, L. acidophilus is an excellent supplement and it does work just like the bacteria you have in your GI tract. It is available in several different forms - if you go to a health food store, see if they have the version that is kept refrigerated, which is, in my opinion, the best form of the bacteria to take.

Second, I would strongly recommend that you see your doctor. It may be that antibiotics aren't even necessary - often it takes weeks or months for a lymph node to decrease in size, and yours may simply need more time. If, however, you still have an ear infection, an antibiotic is definitely the way to go.

Third, as for alternative approaches to antibiotics: Some people feel that herbs and minerals provide as effective a treatment as antibiotics. Unfortunately there is no proof that such remedies work as well as antibiotics (despite the reports given on some websites and some books looking to sell "natural alternatives to antibiotics"). There is a reason why the discovery of Penicillin was so world altering - because for the first time infections could actually be cured.

Again, however, you should speak to your doctor. There are many different kinds of antibiotics, and he/she may be able to give you something with fewer side effects. And again, you may not need a prescription at all - you may simply need to take it easy, to apply warm compresses to the lymph node, and to take a pain reliever as needed.

Sincerely,
Emily

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