Meniere's disease: drugs, symptoms, causes, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease or Meniere's disease is a chronic disorder that occurs in the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance. This disease can cause vertigo.

This condition is only experienced in one ear. Some people may experience buzzing in the ears, and some may experience complete hearing loss.

This disease can appear at any age, but usually begins to appear in adulthood. In chronic conditions, some treatments can reduce symptoms and reduce the long-term effects on your life.

How common is this condition?

This ear disease is a condition that can affect anyone. However, this disease occurs mostly in people aged 20 to 50 years. You can prevent Meniere's disease by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Meniere's disease?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of Meniere's disease include:

• Recurrent episodes of vertigo. You experience a spinning sensation that starts and stops spontaneously. Episodes of vertigo can occur suddenly and usually last 20 minutes to several hours, but not more than 24 hours. Severe vertigo can cause nausea.

• Hearing loss. Meniere's disease is one of the conditions that causes hearing loss. This condition may seem like it comes and goes. However, most people experience permanent hearing loss.

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Tinnitus is a condition that describes the presence of vibrations, noise, and disturbances in your ears.
• Ears feel full. People with Meniere's disease often feel pressure in the ears.

After an episode, your signs and symptoms may improve and disappear temporarily. Over time, the number of episodes may decrease.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor or go to the hospital if you experience the following symptoms:

• Symptoms that are not like the usual illness (such as fever or headache)
• Dizziness for no reason
• Often experience temporary hearing loss
• One of the ears buzzed
• Vertigo may cause fever
• Loss of consciousness.

Cause

What causes Meniere's disease?

Meniere's is a disease condition whose cause is unknown. This condition can occur when the fluid pressure inside the ear is too high.

Quoted from Johns Hopkins Medicine, Meneire's disease is the result of a buildup of endolymph (fluid that wraps the labyrinth of membrane parts). This fluid buildup can disrupt the normal and normal hearing balance between the inner ear and the brain.

In some cases, Meniere's disease can be associated with the following conditions:

• Head injury
• Middle or inner ear infection
• Alcohol use
• Family history
• Smoke

This disease is thought to be caused by a combination of several factors, considering that this condition has no clear cause.

Unpredictable episodes of vertigo and permanent hearing loss may occur in people with Meniere's disease. This disease can also disrupt your life, causing fatigue and stress.

Meanwhile, vertigo can cause you to lose your balance and increase your risk of falling and having an accident.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Meniere's disease?

Factors that can increase your risk of developing Meniere's disease include:

• Unusual discharge of the ear can be due to obstruction or anatomical abnormalities
• Abnormal immune system reactions
• Allergy
• Viral infection
• Genetic predisposition
• Trauma to the head
• Migraine

Having no risk factors does not mean you cannot get this disease. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Meniere's disease?

Quoted from the UK public health service website, the NHS, there is no treatment for Meniere's disease, but the drugs and treatment options below can help relieve vertigo and vomiting.

Drug

There are two drugs recommended, namely:

• Prochlorperazine, which helps reduce severe vomiting
• Antihistamines, which help relieve moderate vomiting and vertigo.

You can take low-salt foods and diuretics (water pills) to reduce the amount of fluid in your body. This can help control your symptoms.

Operation

You may need ear surgery if your symptoms are too severe and don't respond to other treatments.

• Surgical cutting of the vestibular nerve can help control vertigo. This operation does not damage hearing.
• Removal of the inner ear (labyrinthectomy) can help treat vertigo. This results in complete hearing loss.

Counseling

This disease generally causes stress. Your healthcare provider can help you live with Meniere's disease. You may be offered:

• Counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy
• Relaxation therapy, including heat techniques and yoga.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

The doctor will make a diagnosis from the medical history and physical examination. The doctor will check your balance and hearing. Your doctor may also check for other causes of your symptoms.

• Hearing test. This test is done to check whether you have hearing loss or not. During this exam, you will be asked to wear headphones and hear sounds of various volumes and tones.
• Balance test. A balance test is done to test the function of your inner ear. People with Meniere's disease will have a diminished balance response in one of their ears.
• Another test. Problems with the brain, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or a brain tumor, can cause symptoms similar to Meniere's disease. Your doctor may order a head MRI or CT scan to check for the problem.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Meniere's disease?

If you have Meniere's disease, avoid bright lights, TV, and reading while you have the disease. Limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol as these can make symptoms worse.

In addition, lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Meniere's disease include:

• Rest quietly in bed until dizziness and nausea go away
• Take steps to care for the health of your ears
• If you can, do regular exercise
• Ask your doctor about surgery as a treatment option if you have persistent symptoms
• Do not smoke

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.