Meniere’s Disease

The treatment for Meniere’s disease focuses on relieving the symptoms of the disease, reducing inner ear pressure and preventing disease progression.
This would be achieved through various measures –

• Dietary modifications.
• Medication are aimed to:
  • Control the vertigo attack
  • Reduce inner ear pressure
  • Treat the disease pathology
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Once the acute symptoms are controlled, the patient can be assisted with customized vestibular rehabilitation treatment.
• Intratympanic Injections: In patients who do not respond well to medical management, we offer intratympanic injections in the form of steroids and gentamicin. This helps to reduce inner ear pressure by providing a higher concentration of drug locally in the ear without systemic side effects.
• Hearing Aids: When hearing loss becomes constant and affects the day-to-day life of the patient, hearing aids can be used to improve hearing outcomes.
• Surgery: Surgery is rarely indicated in Meniere’s disease. It remains one of the last options to treat intractable Meniere’s disease when the vertigo episodes are severe and frequent.

Causes and Risk Factors of Meniere’s Disease

The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be associated with abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear, known as endolymphatic hydrops. Several factors may contribute to this imbalance:

Possible Causes

• Abnormal Fluid Regulation: Improper drainage or overproduction of endolymph (inner ear fluid) can lead to pressure changes.
• Viral Infections: Inner ear infections, particularly viral labyrinthitis, may trigger the onset of Meniere’s disease.
• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of Meniere’s disease may increase the risk, suggesting a possible hereditary component.
• Autoimmune Response: Some studies suggest that the body’s immune system may mistakenly attack inner ear structures.
• Head Trauma: Injury to the head or ear can disturb the balance and hearing mechanisms, potentially triggering Meniere’s disease.
• Allergies: Certain allergic reactions may contribute to fluid imbalance in some individuals.

Common Risk Factors

• Age: Most commonly affects adults between 30 and 60 years.
• Family History: Having close relatives with Meniere’s disease may increase your likelihood of developing it.
• Migraine: There is a known association between migraine sufferers and a higher incidence of Meniere’s disease.
• Autoimmune Conditions: People with autoimmune diseases may have a higher risk due to possible immune-related damage to the inner ear.
• Smoking and High Salt Intake: Both can contribute to poor circulation and fluid retention, potentially worsening inner ear pressure.

Dietary Recommendations for Managing Meniere’s Disease

Diet plays a crucial role in managing Meniere’s disease by helping to control the fluid balance in the inner ear and reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. Here are key dietary guidelines commonly recommended:

1. Low-Sodium Diet

Reducing salt intake helps minimize fluid retention in the body, including the inner ear, which may lower inner ear pressure and prevent vertigo attacks.

• Aim for less than 1,500–2,000 mg of sodium per day.
• Avoid processed foods, canned soups, salty snacks, and pickled items.
  
  

2. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

• Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks) can overstimulate the nervous system and exacerbate tinnitus and dizziness.
• Alcohol may alter the fluid composition in the inner ear and worsen symptoms.
  
  

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking adequate water throughout the day can help maintain fluid balance and reduce the risk of sudden pressure changes in the inner ear.

4. Balance Sugar Intake

Fluctuating blood sugar levels may contribute to inner ear pressure changes. Try to:

• Eat regular, balanced meals.
• Avoid excessive intake of refined sugars and processed carbohydrates.