{"id":4848,"date":"2020-01-24T08:15:03","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T16:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/houseprovidence.org\/?p=4848"},"modified":"2020-01-24T08:15:03","modified_gmt":"2020-01-24T16:15:03","slug":"managing-menieres-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/househearing.com\/managing-menieres-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Meniere\u2019s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 615,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Meniere\u2019s disease<\/a>, with nearly 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, no cure has been identified for Meniere\u2019s disease, but certain lifestyle modifications have been shown to reduce symptoms.<\/p>\n

What Is Meniere\u2019s Disease?<\/h2>\n

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Meniere\u2019s disease is a chronic health condition that causes spells of dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (feeling of movement\/spinning) and pain\/pressure in the ears. In addition to these symptoms, Meniere\u2019s attacks are associated with nausea, anxiety and rapid eye movement.<\/p>\n

Attacks can come on suddenly and occur as much as daily or as little as every few years. Unfortunately, Meniere\u2019s attacks tend to get worse and worse over time, with permanent hearing loss as a possibility.<\/p>\n

How Can Meniere\u2019s Be Managed?<\/h2>\n

There are many strategies that can help prevent episodes of Meniere\u2019s symptoms.<\/p>\n

Avoid Certain Substances<\/h3>\n

Caffeine narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the inner ear. Avoid coffee, energy drinks, soda and chocolate.<\/p>\n

Alcohol disrupts your sense of balance and triggers feelings of dizziness and vertigo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tobacco smoke affects your circulation and blood flow to the inner ear. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to prevent a Meniere\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n

Sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing pressure in your ears. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2300 mg of sodium a day<\/a>, and ideally one should target closer to 1500 mg per day.<\/p>\n

Maintain Healthy Habits<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t underestimate the value of a healthy sleeping schedule and regular exercise. Better cardiovascular health means improved circulation and less pressure in your ears.<\/p>\n

Monitor Your Triggers<\/h3>\n

Nobody knows your body better than you do. People with Meniere\u2019s experience a variety of triggers, including bright lights, loud noises or low frequency sounds. When you experience a Meniere\u2019s attack, pay attention to your environment and monitor possible triggers.<\/p>\n

Talk to Your Provider<\/h3>\n

Remember, you\u2019re not alone. While there is no cure for Meniere\u2019s disease right now, researchers are looking into how stress management, steroid use, imaging practices and surgical approaches can help curb symptoms.<\/p>\n

To learn more about how you can best manage your Meniere\u2019s disease, talk to your House Providence Health Care Centers<\/a> provider today!<\/p>\n

Learn More About Balance-related Ear Conditions<\/h3>\n