There are so many different names for diseases and illnesses, and it’s important to understand and research anything you doctor diagnoses you or is treating you for. Meniere’s disease is an interesting name for a disease, named after the French physician Prosper Meniere, who wrote an article in 1861 that suggested a single disorder for all of the disease’s symptoms.
What is Meniere’s Disease?
In the simplest of terms, Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear. The symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease are tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), vertigo (a spinning sensation), and a feeling of congestion or fullness within one’s ear. Typically, these symptoms only affect one ear, but over time can eventually affect both ears. These symptoms may be worsened by smoking, high-salt diets, or an infection.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders:
There is no definitive test or single symptom that a doctor can use to make the diagnosis. Diagnosis is based upon your medical history and the presence of:
Two or more episodes of vertigo lasting at least 20 minutes each
- Tinnitus
- Temporary hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
How is Meniere’s Disease Treated?
There is no cure for Meniere’s disease. However, there are many ways to help treat and alleviate the symptoms for a better quality of life. There are medications to help with dizziness as well as dietary salt and diuretics to help lower the amount of water your body retains to lower pressure in your inner ear. There are other dietary options to avoid that have been shown to help worsen to the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. These foods are caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol.
If you're suffering from any of these symptoms, we also encourage you to make an appointment at Florida Ear Nose Throat. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (877) EAR-NOSE.
No comments:
Post a Comment