Since the cause of Ménière’s disease is not known, there is currently no way to prevent it.

pharmaceuticals

Certain medications prescribed by the doctor reduce the pressure in the inner ear. These include diuretic drugs, which cause increased elimination of fluids through the urine. Examples are furosemide, amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide (Diazide®). It seems that the combination of diuretic drugs and a diet low in salt (see below) is often effective in reducing dizziness. However, it would have less effect on hearing loss and tinnitus.

Vasodilator drugs, which work to increase the opening of blood vessels, are sometimes helpful, such as betahistine (Serc® in Canada, Lectil in France). Betahistine is widely used in people with Ménière’s disease because it works specifically on the cochlea and is effective against dizziness.

Notes. People who take diuretics lose water and minerals, such as potassium. At the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that you include foods high in potassium, such as cantaloupe, orange juice and bananas, in your diet, which are good sources. See the Potassium sheet for more information.

Food

Very few clinical studies have measured the effectiveness of the following measures in preventing seizures and reducing their intensity. However, according to the testimonies of doctors and people with the disease, they seem to be of great help to many.

• Adopt a low salt diet (sodium): Foods and drinks high in salt can vary the pressure in the ears, since they contribute to water retention. It is suggested to aim for a daily intake of 1 mg to 000 mg of salt. To achieve this, do not add salt at the table and avoid prepared meals (soups in sachets, sauces, etc.).
• Avoid eating foods that contain glutamate monosodique (GMS), another source of salt. Prepackaged foods and some Chinese cuisine foods are more likely to contain it. Read the labels carefully.
• Avoid the caffeine, found in chocolate, coffee, tea and some soft drinks. The stimulating effect of caffeine can make symptoms worse, especially tinnitus.
• Also limit the consumption of sucre. According to some sources, a diet high in sugar has an impact on the fluids of the inner ear.
• Eat and drink regularly helps regulate bodily fluids. At the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that you eat approximately the same amount of food at each meal. The same goes for snacks.

Way of life

• Try to reduce your stress, since it would be a trigger for seizures. Emotional stress increases the risk of a seizure in the hours that follow⁸. Read our feature Stress and Anxiety.
• In case of allergies, avoid allergens or treat them with antihistamines; allergies could make symptoms worse. Some studies have shown that immunotherapy can reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks by 60% in people with Ménière’s disease who suffer from allergies.². Consult our Allergies sheet.
• No smoking.
• Keep strong lighting during the day, and light lighting at night to facilitate visual cues to prevent falls.
• Avoid taking aspirin, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as aspirin can trigger tinnitus. Also seek advice before taking anti-inflammatory drugs.