Patients who suffer from it experience vertigo (dizzy episodes), hearing loss, a sensation of pressure in their ears and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). However, the worst symptoms of vertigo, nausea and vomiting often can be controlled. By working closely with their physicians, people with M’nière’s disease often can find the right combination of lifestyle changes and medication to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Patients with severe, disabling symptoms may get relief with surgery, but the risks and benefits need to be weighed carefully. It is often impossible to blind participants to their allocated intervention in trials of lifestyle or dietary intervention.
As the primary outcome was assessed by the participants themselves we considered this study to be at low risk of detection bias. The study Kitahara 2016 included individuals with unilateral Ménière’s disease, in whom three to six months of medical treatment had not improved their symptoms. The treatment used before entry to the study varied for each individual, but included diuretics, betahistine, diphenidol, dimenhydrinate and diazepam. The mean duration of Ménière’s disease in the participants was approximately 2.5 years, and the average attack frequency at baseline was 1.6 to 1.7 attacks per month. Kitahara 2016 recruited adult participants with a diagnosis of definite Ménière’s disease, according to the AAO‐HNS 1995 criteria.
If necessary, we converted data found in the studies to a format appropriate for meta‐analysis, according to the methods described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Handbook 2021). We excluded any studies that were retrieved in full text but subsequently deemed to be inappropriate for the review (according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria), according to the main reason for exclusion. Though Meniere’s disease can be debilitating, it is not deadly and new medications are emerging which help control this disorder and improve quality of life.
In addition, the Information Specialist ran a non‐systematic search of Google Scholar to identify trials not published in mainstream journals. The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist conducted systematic searches for randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials in October 2021 and September 2022. We searched the COMET database for existing core outcome sets of relevance to Ménière’s disease and vertigo, but were unable to find any published core outcome sets. We therefore conducted a survey of individuals with experience of (or an interest in) balance disorders to help identify the outcomes that should be prioritised.
Ideally, agreement should be reached on what constitutes a meaningful improvement in vertigo symptoms, rather than simply considering any improvement as a positive outcome. Numerous confounders may cause difficulties in assessing the impact of these interventions. Dietary intake, lifestyle and behaviours of specific individuals may vary considerably at the baseline of the trial.
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. It is believed to be caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear, which can affect balance and hearing. So, it is natural to wonder if drinking too much water can worsen the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
The first-line treatment commonly includes dietary modification such as restriction of salt, caffeine, alcohol intake and several drugs [8,9]. Meniere’s disease (MD) is an idiopathic inner ear disorder, first described by Prosper Meniere in 1861, characterized by spontaneous recurrent vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), aural fullness and tinnitus [1,2,3]. The main clinical aspect in MD is the recurrence of sudden and unexpected vertigo attacks that are often debilitating and may severely affect quality of life [4,5]. Work with your health care team to create a meal plan that works for you. You may want to have a diabetes educator or a registered dietitian on your team. A registered dietitian can provide medical nutrition therapy, which includes counseling to help you create and follow a meal plan.
What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear and causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. These symptoms can be debilitating and have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to fluid imbalance in the inner ear.
Can drinking too much water worsen Meniere’s disease symptoms?
- Hyponatremia: Drinking excessive amounts of water can dilute the sodium levels in the body, a condition known as hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can disrupt the balance of fluids in the inner ear, potentially worsening symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
- Fluid retention: Consuming too much water can lead to fluid retention in the body, including the inner ear. This excess fluid buildup can exacerbate the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, such as vertigo and dizziness.
FAQs about water intake and Meniere’s disease
- How much water should I drink if I have Meniere’s disease?
- Are there any other dietary considerations for managing Meniere’s disease?
It is important to stay hydrated, but it is best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of water intake based on your individual needs and health status.
In addition to monitoring water intake, individuals with Meniere’s disease may benefit from reducing their sodium intake and following a healthy, balanced diet to help manage symptoms.
In conclusion, while staying hydrated is important for overall health, drinking too much water can potentially worsen the symptoms of Meniere’s disease due to its effects on fluid balance in the body. It is essential to maintain a balanced approach to hydration and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations on water intake for individuals with Meniere’s disease.
