What Are The Triggers For Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner-ear in which the peculiar symptom is vertigo, which is a typical type of dizziness and which makes you feel as if you are spinning. There can also be tinnitus, which is commonly known as ringing in the ears, a periodic hearing loss which often comes and goes. There can also be a feeling of pressure in the ear. Most of the times only on ear gets affected by Meniere’s disease. However, the hearing loss can eventually become permanent.

Any factors that affect the inner ear in any way can be considered as triggering factors for Meniere’s disease. As a result, there can be many triggers that may flare up an episode of Meniere’s disease. The triggers can be classified broadly into three categories-

• Environmental triggers
• Lifestyle triggers
• Movement related triggers
• Environmental Factors

Weather-

1. Weather changes can affect the inner-ear
2. Sadly, most of the times, one cannot do anything to avoid weather conditions

Allergens-

• Allergens trigger histamine production in the body
• This may cause fluid build-up in the inner ear resulting in pressure
• Excess fluid in the ear is a potent trigger for Meniere’s disease
• Many times, anti-histamines are given to patients with Meniere’s disease

Exposure to light-

Sudden exposure to bright lights such as sunlight or sudden flipping-on of the lights, flashing of the lights may be a triggering factor for Meniere’s disease

Triggers that involve lifestyle factors are one of the more controllable triggers of Meniere’s disease. Making some changes in daily lifestyle can give a considerable relief in the symptoms caused by Meniere’s disease and can also keep frequent attacks at bay. Also, if attacks do occur, they may be less severe in nature when these lifestyle changes are made.

Quit smoking-

Smoking may increase the congestion inside the ears and thus may worsen the condition

Avoid stress-

• Stress messes with almost every health condition you have, and Meniere’s disease is no exception to that
• It is best to avoid any factors that may lead you to stress
• While it is not possible to stay away from stress completely, you can try to manage it

Substance abuse-

• Illicit substances can affect the immune system
• You definitely do not want to have a weak immune system with the Meniere’s disease
• It is best to stay away from such substance abuse

Extreme physical exercise-

• Extreme physical exercise may also weaken the immune system
• However, this does not mean that one should never exercise at all
• The point is, you should learn your limits and do exercise accordingly
• Some physical activity and exercise daily is quite beneficial

Diet-

• Junk, processed and packaged foods are high in MSG and contribute negatively to the body health
• Similarly, Foods high in sugar are not good in excess
• Refined foods are best avoided, and it is best to substitute with whole grain or unrefined foods

It is a known fact that vertigo is triggered in certain postures. Even a mild change in the position can lead to severe symptoms.

Tilting the head-

• This is one of the commonest triggers of Meniere’s disease
• A sudden tilt in the head can lead to severe pressure built-up in the ear and can lead to symptom flare-up

Bending of the head-

• Bending can be a potent trigger for Meniere’s disease
• It is best to squat to pick-up something instead of bending forward

Random movement of head-

Someone with Meniere’s disease must learn not to move his head very quickly so as to not disturb the inner ear

Meniere’s disease cannot be cured. However, with a prompt and an early diagnosis and an efficient treatment, the symptoms can be reduced. Identifying the triggers that cause flare-ups of symptoms and avoiding them can help in arresting frequent and severe episodes of Meniere’s disease.

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Also Read:

• What is Meniere’s Disease & How is it Treated?