Truth, Myth & Treatment of Meniere's Disease
Some medical conditions are complicated and upsetting that can significantly affect a person's life. But the good news is that in this age, we have gained a much more understanding of these conditions and a variety of treatments to alleviate symptoms. One such condition is Meniere’s disease, which has been getting attention due to various myths associated with it.
Let’s get to know what Meniere's disease is and what are the myths floating around this condition, and the facts and treatments to manage this disease.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear chronic disorder that can result in vertigo, which is the spinning sensation or having dizzy spells. The condition can occur at any age, but typically affects the age group between 40 and 50. The cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed that changes in the endolymph, the fluid in the tubes of the inner ear, can cause Meniere’s disease.
Some other causes that are believed to cause this condition are allergies, genetics and autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of Meniere’s disease include loss of hearing in the affected ear, loss of balance, ringing sensation (tinnitus), nausea, vomiting, headaches and vertigo that lasts between a few minutes to 24 hours.
Myths
And as the cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown and with identical symptoms to other conditions, there are several myths associated with this disease. Let’s take them one by one before we get on to the treatment part.
Myth – Hearing loss associated with Meniere’s disease can be prevented using Diuretics
Truth – Diuretics, also known as ‘water pills’, are medicines or any substance that increase the flow of urine and help reduce the excess fluid from the body. The fact is that diuretics are very effective at preventing imbalance and dizziness as a result of Meniere’s disease. However, that doesn’t mean they can prevent hearing loss associated with Meniere’s disease, as there is no evidence to support this.
Moreover, as the condition is believed to be caused by fluid in the inner tube, it has become a myth that diuretics can prevent hearing loss associated with this condition.
Myth – Meniere’s disease affects only one ear
Truth - While it’s a fact that Meniere’s disease ‘mostly’ affects one ear, there are high chances that the other ear might experience symptoms such as hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus. And this typically happens in the advanced stages or many years after the initial diagnosis of this disease. Some studies suggest that 10-15 percent of people can experience Meniere’s disease in both ears.
Myth - Hearing aids can prevent hearing loss due to Meniere’s disease
Truth – Hearing aids are one of the methods used to manage Meniere’s disease, but they cannot prevent hearing loss. These devices can help improve hearing in a person but cannot prevent Meniere’s disease from progressing.
How is Meniere’s disease treated?
There is no cure for Meniere’s disease. However, many treatments can help manage the symptoms, such as frequent episodes of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.
Medication
Medicines prescribed for motion sickness can help reduce the frequency of vertigo episodes and reduce nausea. The doctor may also prescribe anti-nausea or antiemetic drugs for nausea and vomiting.
Physical therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help train the brain to strike a balance between the two ears and reduce symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.
Surgery
Procedures such as the Endolymphatic sac procedure can help regulate excess fluid levels. The vestibular nerve section can correct the problem with vertigo while simultaneously attempting to preserve hearing in the affected ear.
Lifestyle changes
Limiting salt intake, alcohol, caffeine and drinking 6-8 glasses of water can help reduce the amount of fluid in the ear. Regular meals, resting during vertigo attacks, and managing stress can also help reduce symptoms.
There are several strategies you can adopt to reduce symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Your ENT specialist can help you chalk out the best plan for treating this condition.
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