Meniere’s disease can be a burdensome ordeal, affecting one’s vision, hearing, and movement. Research says that about 12 in 1,000 people worldwide suffer from this condition, with up to 60,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
While there is no known cure yet, these few things ought to help you alleviate its effects…
1. Medication
Medications against motion sickness like diazepam (Valium) or meclizine (Bonine) are often prescribed to reduce vertigo effects. Others also use anti-nausea drugs, such as ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan).
Get back on your feet with the following…
2. Try Therapies
For patients who have problems regaining balance between vertigo attacks, vestibular rehabilitation therapy could be an ideal treatment. This method uses specific exercises to sustain a person’s vestibular system to prevent balance problems.
This device keeps you from “turning a deaf ear”…
3. Use Hearing Aids
Using a hearing aid in the Meniere’s-affected ear could help improve and regain one’s hearing. Though it might take a few months to get fully accustomed to one, ask a doctor or an audiologist for tips on making the most out of it.
Drastic situations call for drastic measures…
4. Surgery
This is usually the last recourse when most treatment methods fail. Endolymphatic sac surgery and vestibular nerve section attempt to preserve hearing, while labyrinthectomies are performed in more dire situations like near/total hearing loss.
Never underestimate good relaxation…
5. Rest Well
Having a good rest relieves Meniere’s-induced vertigo. Sit or lie down for a while when you experience attacks and try not to resume your activities immediately as they could trigger dizziness and imbalance.
You also have to make some sacrifices with your habits…
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking is strongly linked to Meniere’s symptoms like tinnitus and vertigo and is said to minimize treatment effects, so it’s only logical to avoid it. Those who have dropped the habit have claimed to have weakened symptoms.
Less is more, they say, and this next one proves it…
7. Diet Changes
Studies show that eating excessive amounts of sugary and salty foods can increase fluid buildup in the ears. Try to add more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to your diet to relieve the effects of Meniere’s.
The same could also be said about beverages…
8. Drink More Water
Drinking sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages can exacerbate tinnitus and other symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to try to stick to drinking water.
The following treatment can help you learn how to break through problems and be stronger…
9. Stress Management
Extreme stress and anxiety can cause Meniere’s disease and make its symptoms a lot worse. Relaxation and meditation techniques can help you find relief.
Being with a safe, like-minded community also brings great relief…
10. Join A Support Group
Emotional support greatly helps people recovering from various illnesses, especially vestibular-related ones like Meniere’s disease. It’s a way of retelling experiences, expressing/receiving aid, and sharing best practices on living life like a champ.