Medical Ear Piercing

Ear piercing is a combination of both an art and science. The precise optimal location for your ear piercing(s) are important so that is does not interfere with your natural energy (Qi). When not in the proper location it may adversely affect your health.

Epistaxis

Epistaxis (nosebleeds) are very common, particularly in children and are caused by a multitude of factors, including: 

  • certain medications
  • foreign objects in the nasal passage
  • minor trauma from nose picking
  • coughing
  • sneezing or rubbing
  • sinus and nasal infections
  • vascular problems[1]. 

Nosebleeds occur when a small blood vessel inside the nose lining bursts and bleeds[2].


There are two types of nosebleeds: 

  1. Anterior nosebleeds- more common and less serious (accounting for 90% of all nosebleed episodes) 
  2. Posterior nosebleeds which are more serious and generally require medical attention[3]. 


In most cases nosebleeds will stop on their own. One important step in treating nosebleeds is to apply direct pressure by pinching the nose for a few minutes[4]. In some severe and/or persistent cases they can be life threatening due to the significant amounts of blood loss, in which case even blood transfusions may be indicated.  


References:

[1]Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (2016, December). Nosebleed (epistaxis). childrens.health.qld.gov.au/fact-sheet-nosebleed-epistaxis/

[2]Safer Care Victoria (2019, July). Epistaxis (nosebleeds). bettersafercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-07/Epistaxis.pdf

[3]Harvard Medical School (2019, February).Nosebleed (Epistaxis). health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/nosebleed-epistaxis-a-to-z

[4]Tabassom and Cho (2019, January). Epistaxis (Nose Bleed). StatPearls Publishing

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection causing the labyrinth (the balancing centre) to be inflamed. Generally, labyrinthitis is caused by a viral infection from a cold, the flu or the herpes group of viruses[1]. 


Common symptoms of labyrinthitis include:

  • various amounts of hearing loss
  • mild headaches
  • ear pain
  • tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • vertigo
  • blurred vision[2] 


Treatment varies depending on the cause. Commonly, labyrinthitis resolves without treatment in a few weeks but if symptoms persist, a vestibular rehabilitation exercises may be required. These exercises involve retraining the brain to interpret the distorted balance messaged from the labyrinth[3]. In addition to this, management of symptoms can include:

  • avoiding alcohol
  • drinking plenty of water
  • avoiding bright lights
  • creating a low-noise 
  • low-stress environment[1]


References: 

[1] Health Direct (2019, May) Labyrinthitis. healthdirect.gov.au/labyrinthitis 

[2] NHS (2017, February). Labyrinthitis. nhs.uk/conditions/labyrinthitis/

[3] Better Health Channel (2014, November)Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/labyrinthitis-and-vestibular-neuritis

Tinnitus

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Tinnitus is an annoying, often constant, ‘ringing’ noise in the ears. It may be high pitched and of varying nature, such as ‘rustling, train like, or whistling’. It may result from a side effect of prescribed medication and may be associated with excessive noise, headache, sleeping problems and loss of energy.
Commonest causes of tinnitus include:

  • Hearing loss, from noise exposure (e.g. from work machinery, loud music in night clubs, listening to loud music) 
  • Aging 
  • Head trauma 
  • Side effects from prescribed drugs

It can also be due to:

  • Ear infection
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Vertigo

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that commonly presents as a sensation of spinning of the environment around the patient. There are many causes of vertigo with the most common cause resulting from an inner ear problem such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). In BPPV, there is an accumulation of calcium particles in the inner ear which alters how the brain controls balance1.  It is thought BPPV occurs due to sudden movement activities such as bending over quickly, looking up, lying on one ear and getting out of bed2.

Symptoms of vertigo include:

  • light-headedness
  • feeling faint
  • unsteadiness
  • difficulty hearing, and 
  • nausea and vomiting3. 

Treatment of vertigo varies from patient to patient. In a percentage of patients it may persist. Management may include physical therapy such as balance training, otolith repositioning measures (for the calcium particles in inner ear), and medicines such as motion sickness medication4.


References:

1 The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2016, April) An approach to vertigo in general practice. Men’s health. Volume 45 (4) 190-194

2 Better Safer Care (2019, July 18) Vertigo. bettersafercare.vic.gov.au/resources/tools/vertigo

3 Better Health Channel (2019, May) Dizziness and vertigo. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/dizziness-and-vertigo 

4 Health Direct (2017, December) Vertigo. healthdirect.gov.au/vertigo 

Xerostomia (Dry mouth)

Xerostomia (Dry mouth) is a condition characterised by not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet and moisturised. Saliva plays an important role in ensuring bacteria is kept under control in the mouth, aiding in digestion, helping defend against tooth decay and acts as a vehicle in strengthening tooth enamel[1]. Although everyone experiences a dry mouth from time to time, persistent feelings of dry mouth may be a sign of xerostomia. 


Symptoms which persist in this condition include[2]:

  • A sticky and dry feeling in the mouth
  • Cracked lips
  • Bad breath
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking
  • More frequent tooth decay
  • Gum irritation 


There are a number of factors thought to cause dry mouth such as[3]:

  • Prescription medications
  • Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome 
  • Chemotherapy in cancer treatment
  • Anxiety and stress


Fortunately there are treatments and strategies in place to reduce the discomfort from dry mouth. As dry mouth increases the chances of tooth decay, it is crucial to protect your teeth by visiting the dentist regularly, using a soft toothbrush and mouth rinse and avoiding sugary or acidic foods. Furthermore, staying hydrated and avoiding foods that irritate the mouth have been found to ease the discomfort of dry mouth[4].

    

References:

[1] Queensland Government – Queensland Health (2008, April) Healthy teeth for life fact sheet. health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/154076/htfl_dry_mouth_v2.pdf 

[2] Colgate. Dry Mouth colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/dry-mouth 

[3] Better Health Victoria (2017, February) Dry Mouth Syndrome betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-mouth-syndrome

[4] Health Direct (2018, April) Dry Mouth Syndrome healthdirect.gov.au/dry-mouth-syndrome