Meniere’s disease can cause severe symptoms that can significantly affect quality of life. However, it is possible to control the symptoms and reduce the effects of the disease with the right treatment and management strategies. Therefore, it is important for people with Meniere’s disease to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist and create appropriate treatment plans.
What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that occurs as a result of abnormal functioning of the structures that maintain the balance of the inner ear. Meniere’s disease is characterized by symptoms such as sudden attacks of dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness. It usually manifests itself with symptoms of unilateral hearing loss and vertigo (severe dizziness).
Although the exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, it is thought that abnormal increases in the fluid pressure in the inner ear, damage to the structures related to the imbalance in the inner ear, or genetic factors may play a role.
How does Meniere’s disease start?
Meniere’s disease often occurs for no apparent reason, and its onset can be sudden. The disease usually occurs as a result of abnormal functioning of the structures that maintain the balance of the inner ear.
What are the symptoms of Meniere’s disease?
Symptoms of Meniere’s disease usually include:
- One of the most prominent symptoms of Meniere’s disease is severe dizziness.
- Meniere’s disease usually causes unilateral hearing loss. Hearing loss is usually progressive and may worsen over time.
- Tinnitus is a constant ringing or rattle-like sound in the ear. Many people with Meniere’s disease experience tinnitus.
- A feeling of fullness in the ear may occur as a feeling of pressure or fullness in one ear. This feeling often increases before or during attacks.
Is Meniere’s disease dangerous?
Meniere’s disease is not usually a life-threatening condition, but its symptoms can be serious and significantly impact quality of life. Symptoms such as vertigo attacks, sudden feeling of dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear can make daily life difficult and prevent the person from continuing normal activities. Hearing loss and balance disorders caused by the disease can affect a person’s daily life and lead to difficulties in areas such as work, school and social relationships. Especially during vertigo attacks, safety risks may increase, for example, the risk of falling may increase.
What should be done for Meniere’s disease?
“Is there a cure for Meniere’s disease?” is one of the frequently asked questions. Treatment for Meniere’s disease is possible, and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, controlling attacks, and preventing disease progression. Treatment usually consists of a combination of therapies to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life. “How is Meniere’s disease treated?” For your question, some of the treatment methods for Meniere’s disease are as follows:
- Various medications prescribed by the doctor can be used to provide a definitive solution to Meniere’s disease and to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
- Meniere’s disease diet can be applied. Lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress can help manage the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
- Injections into the inner ear may help relieve symptoms.
- Hearing aids or cochlear implants may be used to compensate for hearing loss due to Meniere’s disease.
- In rare cases, surgical interventions may be required to control symptoms.
What happens if Meniere’s disease progresses?
As Meniere’s disease progresses, symptoms can often become severe and further impact quality of life. Progressing Meniere’s disease can lead to increased hearing loss, increased frequency or severity of vertigo attacks, and increased tinnitus. Additionally, transition times between symptoms may be shorter and symptoms may occur more frequently.