"Unequal fluid in the ear" as the cause of dizziness... spinning sensation

Did you know that “spinning sensation” or “vertigo” that many people have heard of or some have experienced is one of the symptoms of “unequal fluid in the ear”? Some may just sit and rest for the symptom to go away, but some may experience severe dizziness and vomiting. Therefore, if the symptoms do not improve or you feel that the symptoms interfere with daily life, do not ignore it. It is best to see a doctor for examination and diagnosis to find the exact cause.

What is unequal fluid in the ear?

Unequal fluid in the ear, or unequal pressure of fluid in the ear, is medically known as Meniere’s disease. It is commonly found in people aged 30-60 years, both women and men. This disease is caused by an abnormality in the inner ear where the pressure of the inner ear fluid called Endolymph is abnormal. This affects the inner ear, which is responsible for hearing and balance control, causing the patient to experience dizziness, ear fullness, hearing loss, and a feeling of pressure inside the ear, among other symptoms.

Causes of “unequal fluid in the ear”

Currently, the exact cause of “unequal fluid in the ear” is unknown, but there are several important factors contributing to the disease, such as:

• Genetics
  Commonly found in patients with family members who have migraines or abnormal inner ear structures.
• Viral infections
  Middle ear and inner ear inflammation, meningitis.
• Various diseases
  Allergies, syphilis, otitis media, diabetes, thyroid disease, and high blood cholesterol.
• Hormones
  Changes in hormone levels, including menstruation.
• Behavior
  Lack of sufficient rest, stress, smoking, as well as high sodium and very salty food intake.
• Environment
  Being in a very noisy environment.

Symptoms caused by “unequal fluid in the ear”

Unequal fluid in the ear affects the function of nerve cells that control balance and hearing, causing patients to have these symptoms:

• Severe dizziness, feeling like the surroundings are spinning, lasting for hours, with symptoms coming and going.
• Sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting along with loss of body balance, making it easy to fall.
• Ear fullness, unclear hearing, intermittent ear pressure. Hearing may sometimes improve and sometimes worsen.
• Ringing in the ear, which may be a whistling sound, heavy or pressure-like sensation in the ear.

How to treat unequal fluid in the ear?

Specialist doctors will examine and treat patients based on the symptoms assessed in each case, such as:

• Behavioral adjustment
  If the symptoms are not severe, doctors will recommend sufficient rest, regular exercise, and stress relief.
• Medication
  This is to relieve symptoms, such as taking diuretics to reduce swelling and fluid accumulation in the inner ear, vasodilators to improve fluid circulation in the ear, medications to reduce dizziness and nausea, as well as sedatives and sleeping pills to help patients relax and sleep normally. Patients must strictly follow the doctor’s prescription.
• Injection
  Doctors will inject medication directly into the inner ear to destroy cells causing dizziness. When these cells die, the symptoms disappear without the need for surgery.
• Surgery
  In cases where dizziness does not improve and is severe despite various treatments, doctors will recommend surgery to drain the accumulated fluid in the inner ear.

What should you do when you have unequal fluid in the ear?

When you have “unequal fluid in the ear”, you must take care of yourself and strictly follow the doctor’s advice, such as:

• Avoid very salty foods.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee.
• Eat a balanced diet with all food groups.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get enough sleep. If there is noise in the ear while sleeping, play soft music to mask the sound.
• Find activities to relieve stress and reduce anxiety.
• If you experience sudden dizziness, avoid driving or climbing high places, which may cause accidents or danger.

If you want to avoid “unequal fluid in the ear”, you need to pay more attention to your health, allocate enough rest time, exercise or do activities with close people or family to bring happiness and vitality to your mental health. When our body is strong… our mind is strong, no disease can easily invade.