What’s Meniere’s disease?

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Meniere’s disease occurs in the inner ear and causes dizziness, temporary hearing loss, and/or ringing and pressure in the ears. The attacks come on suddenly and can last up to 20 minutes or up to several hours. Symptoms include a continuous, low-pitched noise or a feeling of pressure in the ear.
Vertigo, a spinning sensation, is a bothersome symptom of Meniere’s disease that can cause nausea and vomiting. When dizziness occurs, the affected person should lie down and keep their head still until the attack passes. There are also medications available to reduce vertigo.

Although the cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, doctors link the condition to an imbalance of fluid in the inner ear. Meniere’s disease affects both men and women and usually begins between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms usually occur in only one ear, but both ears may be affected over time. While there is no cure, treatments can be effective in reducing symptoms. Those diagnosed with Meniere’s disease are prohibited from holding a commercial driver’s license in the United States

Treatments for Meniere’s disease include medications to reduce dizziness and fluid buildup in the inner ear. Diuretics are often prescribed to reduce fluid. Other medications, including antihistamines and sedatives, are effective at soothing the inner ear. Anti-anxiety drugs can help reduce the number of attacks for some patients.

Dietary changes are also helpful for some sufferers. In particular, a low-sodium diet can reduce the amount of fluid that builds up in the ear. Exercise to improve balance may also be beneficial for some. Those with Meniere’s disease should also avoid conditions or substances that trigger an attack; some possible triggers include monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.

Repeated attacks of Meniere’s disease can cause hearing loss, so someone with symptoms should see their doctor about reducing attacks. If other treatments aren’t effective, surgery may be an option. The challenge of surgery is to eradicate the symptoms of the disease without risking hearing loss in the affected ear.

Although the cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, risk factors may include a head injury, a viral inner ear infection, or allergies. Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and lupus, might increase your risk of Meniere’s disease. Another risk factor is having a family member with the condition. To diagnose Meniere’s disease, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask for a medical history. Some doctors will also order hearing or imaging tests.

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