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- What is labyrinthitis?
- Symptoms of labyrinthitis
- Causes of labyrinthitis
- Prevention of labyrinthitis
- Risk factors for labyrinthitis
- Complications of labyrinthitis
- When to see a doctor about labyrinthitis
- Diagnosis of labyrinthitis
- Conventional treatment of labyrinthitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of labyrinthitis
- Living with labyrinthitis
- Caring for someone with labyrinthitis
Conventional treatment of labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis normally resolves by itself within a few weeks, but sometimes it doesn't and that is when medication is prescribed.
Medication
There are several medications which are normally prescribed for labyrinthitis (sometimes more than one medication may be prescribed):
- Antibiotics - if a bacterial infection is suspected, then antibiotics will be prescribed to stop the infection and reduce symptoms
- Anticholinergics - these medications are prescribed to block the nerve impulses that cause spasms in the smooth muscles (such as the stomach, which in turn prevent the stomach nausea or vomiting
- Anti-nausea - these medications are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting associated with labyrinthitis
- Corticosteroids - these medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation in the middle ear, especially when it is severe or long-term
- Sedatives - these medications are prescribed to reduce anxiety (if it is present) which may occur in some people with longer term labyrinthitis, as well as to reduce any vomiting and nausea
- Vestibular suppressants - these medications are prescribed specifically to reduce the dizziness and feeling unbalanced symptoms associated with the middle ear not functioning properly
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Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
Other treatments are recommended in conjunction with medication (or alone for less serious cases) to help reduce symptoms, including certain positional therapy:
- Avoid bright lights - it may be beneficial to avoid bright lights, especially as they may exacerbate symptoms during a flare-up of the condition
- Balance exercises - there are a number of special exercises which can help the middle ear get better, by improving the balance function of the middle ear
- More fluids - drink more water, juice and herbal teas to help hydrate the middle ear and help it heal more quickly
- Rest - enabling the body to rest, by lying down and doing very little, will give the body the best chance to heal itself from the labyrinthitis
- Sit still - moving the head, especially if it is too quickly, can cause an exacerbation of symptoms
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< 8: diagnosis 10: alternative treatment > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
