Monday, February 14, 2011

Coffee & Meniere'S Disease

Coffee and other caffeinated products can exacerbate the symptoms of Meniere's disease.


Meniere's disease is an inner-ear condition that can lead to hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects of Meniere's disease can be worsened by consuming caffeine, including coffee.


Effects


According to the Mayo Clinic, the stimulant properties of caffeine, including that found in coffee, can exacerbate the symptoms of Meniere's disease. This includes making the ringing associated with tinnitus more pronounced.








Identification


According to the Loyola University Health System, caffeine impacts Meniere's disease by causing constriction of blood vessels in the brain and inner ear. This contributes to the accumulation of endolymphatic fluid, which lies behind the effects of the condition.


Prevention








The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding coffee. However, the University of California at San Diego Medical Center suggests that people with Meniere's disease should try cutting caffeine.


Other Changes


In addition to avoiding caffeine, people with Meniere's may also be advised to avoid MSG, smoking and stress, and to limit salt and take diuretics, possibly alongside other medications, according to the Mayo Clinic.


Intervention


People with Meniere's should work with a doctor to create an effective treatment plan to manage their symptoms. This is important to target the types of effects and severity that each individual sufferer experiences.

Tags: Meniere disease, Mayo Clinic, with Meniere, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic