Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and a feeling of the ears being full. Though there is no known cure for the condition, it is treatable. In addition to getting help from a doctor, there are ways that family caregivers and elderly care providers can help older adults with Meniere’s disease to make lifestyle changes to manage the symptoms.
Dietary Changes to Prevent Episodes
One of the major ways caregivers and elderly care providers can help to minimize symptoms of Meniere’s disease and perhaps even stop episodes from occurring is to make some changes to the senior’s diet.
Excess sodium in the diet can cause the body to retain more fluid, which can lead to more fluid buildup in the ear. The excess fluid can trigger symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Try to limit salt in the senior’s diet to between 1,500 and 2,000 mg per day. Some ways to reduce salt intake are:
Although it could be tempting to limit the amount of liquid the older adult drinks throughout the day, it’s still important for them to stay hydrated. However, they should avoid drinking beverages that contain sodium and added sugars, such as soda. Instead, offer plenty of water, milk, and fruit juices that are low in sugar.
Other Lifestyle Changes
An episode of vertigo can be a frightening and miserable experience. To help your aging relative through a bout of vertigo, use these tips:
Living with Meniere’s disease may not always be easy but being prepared to manage episodes can make a difference. If your family member has the disease, be sure to inform their elderly care provider. Elderly care providers can offer the care and support needed to get through the symptoms.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374916
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000709.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/meniere-disease-diet#diet
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN THE LOOP, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
Dietary Changes to Prevent Episodes
One of the major ways caregivers and elderly care providers can help to minimize symptoms of Meniere’s disease and perhaps even stop episodes from occurring is to make some changes to the senior’s diet.
Excess sodium in the diet can cause the body to retain more fluid, which can lead to more fluid buildup in the ear. The excess fluid can trigger symptoms of Meniere’s disease. Try to limit salt in the senior’s diet to between 1,500 and 2,000 mg per day. Some ways to reduce salt intake are:
- Season foods with herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Offer foods that are naturally low in salt, like fresh produce.
- Learn to read labels and avoid foods with more than 100 mg of salt per serving.
- Avoid pre-packaged foods.
Although it could be tempting to limit the amount of liquid the older adult drinks throughout the day, it’s still important for them to stay hydrated. However, they should avoid drinking beverages that contain sodium and added sugars, such as soda. Instead, offer plenty of water, milk, and fruit juices that are low in sugar.
Other Lifestyle Changes
An episode of vertigo can be a frightening and miserable experience. To help your aging relative through a bout of vertigo, use these tips:
- Have Them Sit or Lie Down: Vertigo causes dizziness, which could lead to a dangerous fall. Elderly care providers and caregivers can encourage the senior to sit or lie still until the feeling passes. Keep the lights low and remind them not to read or watch television.
- Rest: The older adult should be encouraged to rest for a while after an episode.
- Avoid Driving: Driving during an episode is dangerous and may cause an accident. If the senior has frequent episodes, they should give up driving as an attack can happen at any time. Elderly care providers can offer transportation to and from stores, places of worship, appointments, and other places.
Living with Meniere’s disease may not always be easy but being prepared to manage episodes can make a difference. If your family member has the disease, be sure to inform their elderly care provider. Elderly care providers can offer the care and support needed to get through the symptoms.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374916
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000709.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/meniere-disease-diet#diet
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING ELDERLY CARE IN THE LOOP, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.