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MEDICAL TREATMENT OF MENIERE\'S DISEASE: GENERAL HEALTH, STRESS AND DIET
The symptoms of hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus and pressure or fullness in the ears are common in our community. When they occur in combination, a diagnosis of Meniere\'s disease should be considered. Many people with one or more of these symptoms will not, however, have this disease.
A firm diagnosis of Meniere\'s disease can only be made with appropriate examination and investigation by your doctor, usually an ear, nose and throat specialist.
There is a range of treatments available for Meniere\'s disease, including medical and surgical options. It should be stressed that medical measures will be all that is required in most cases. Surgery is reserved for the small number of people who do not obtain good control from appropriate conservative treatment. Below is an outline of the treatments available for Meniere\'s disease.
General health
In order to cope with and control the symptoms of Meniere\'s disease, one needs good general health. When conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalance, allergy and any other generalised health problems are present, they may aggravate the frequency and severity of inner ear symptoms and should be brought under as good control as possible by the general practitioner or relevant medical specialist.
Stress
Physical or emotional stress will aggravate the symptoms of Meniere\'s disease and can act as triggers for attacks. This needs to be recognized and appropriate measures taken. People working in high pressure jobs often find vast improvement in their symptoms if they reduce their workload.
Diet
The hydrops of Meniere\'s disease may be aggravated by excessive water and sodium in the body. A low salt diet is very important here and will also help in reducing blood pressure.
Foods that are thought to bring on attacks or aggravate the symptoms should be avoided. Chocolate, caffeine and alcohol are often mentioned in this group.
Tobacco smoking is harmful to health in many ways and will certainly not help preserve good inner ear function.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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