How to Manage Menieres Disease

Meniere's disease is a rare disorder that affects approximately 615,000 Americans. While some younger individuals may suffer from it, adults who are in their 40s and 50s generally develop this condition, and more men develop Meniere's disease than women. Symptoms include ringing in the ears, vertigo, problems with balance, hearing loss and pressure in one ear. Attacks can be severe at times. There is currently no known cure for Meniere's disease, but there are things you can do to make living with it more manageable.

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor to prescribe medications that may aid in easing vertigo. Some prescription drugs are prochlorperazine and diazepam. Take them as directed, and report any side effects you might experience.

2. Modify your diet. Avoid foods that are fried, fatty, salty and sugary. Stay away from anything that has caffeine and MSG. Cut out alcohol completely. Some people have found that going on a hypoglycemic diet helps.

3. Get the stress out of your life, since it can exacerbate symptoms of Meniere's disease.

4. Stop your smoking habit. Not only does smoking put you at risk for other illnesses, but it also may worsen symptoms associated with Meniere's disease.

5. Use a cane to help you maintain balance and to diminish the risk of falling down and injuring yourself.

6. Use herbs such as ginger, ginkgo biloba and butcher's broom to help ease symptoms. Always check with your doctor first, however, to avoid any drug interactions.

7. Be careful about what you do when an attack of vertigo occurs. Sit down right away, and remain still until the episode has passed. Avoid sitting in bright lights, watching TV or reading. Once the vertigo attack is over, take a few minutes to rest before resuming any activities.

8. Find a good support group for people who suffer from Meniere's disease. They can offer advice, helpful information and encouragement. If there are no such groups in your local area, find an online support group.