What is Meniere’s disease? Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that affects the body’s vestibular and auditory systems. The vestibular system is what gives people their sense of balance and movement. The auditory system gives people their sense of hearing. The disease is named after the French doctor Prosper Meniere. Meniere’s disease affects an inner part of the ear called the labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is made up of three parts, which include the: vestibule

semicircular canals

cochlea The organs of the inner ear are filled with a special kind of fluid that helps send signals to the brain. When you have Meniere’s disease, too much fluid clogs up the tiny inner ear organs that regulate hearing and balance. As a result, Meniere’s disease causes problems with: balance

movement

nausea

hearing

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications Aside from medications your healthcare provider prescribes, certain OTC medications and supplements can help or hinder symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Beneficial OTC medications Common effects of Meniere’s disease and vertigo are: dizziness

nausea

motion sickness Some medications that can help relieve these symptoms are: anti-nausea medication, like Dramamine

antihistamines, like Benadryl Dramamine is helpful because it helps prevent: dizziness

motion sickness

nausea Swelling in the ear can also contribute to vertigo. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs occasionally can be helpful. Reducing swelling in the ear will curb nausea and dizziness associated with vertigo. Harmful OTC medications At the same time, there are common OTC drugs you should avoid because they interfere with Meniere’s disease. Try to avoid the following: antacids

aspirin

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Antacids are packed with sodium, which will cause water retention. Drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which is an NSAID, can also cause water retention and interfere with electrolyte balance. An electrolyte balance is important for the regulation of inner ear fluid. According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, Aspirin can worsen the symptoms of tinnitus.

Other treatment options Changing your diet is a simple, inexpensive way to help relieve Meniere’s symptoms at home. However, if a new diet doesn’t work, your healthcare provider may also recommend medication or surgery to help treat your condition. Prescription medication Vertigo is the most common and most debilitating aspect of Meniere’s disease. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help reduce and manage this symptom and others. Benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to shorten an episode of symptoms. Anti-nausea medications like promethazine or meclizine can be used to treat and manage the nausea and vomiting associated with vertigo. Surgery Surgery is usually only a treatment option for Meniere’s disease when all other treatments haven’t worked. Surgery is primarily used to eliminate debilitating episodes of vertigo. Surgery options include decompressing fluid in the inner ear or cutting a nerve to permanently cure episodes of vertigo.