Labyrinthitis
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Labyrinthitis is an ear infection that can cause inflammation and make you feel dizzy.
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Labyrinthitis is an infection that affects the inner part of your ear (known as the labyrinth). It can affect your hearing and your balance, which in turn can affect your quality of life and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks like driving, cycling and operating machinery or tools.
It can get better on its own, though it can be challenging to deal with.The most severe symptoms usually ease in the first few days, and full recovery is often achieved within a couple of months. It’s sometimes called vestibular neuritis, though the two conditions are slightly different.
Anyone can get labyrinthitis, but it’s thought to be more common in people who are between 30 and 60 years old, and twice as common in women.
There isn’t a huge amount of data showing just how common labyrinthitis is. But vestibular dysfunction (the umbrella term for a few conditions that affects your ear and balance) is estimated to affect around 4.9% of the population each year, and 7.4% of people during their lifetime.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Labyrinthitis is caused by an inflammation of the inner ear, often as a result of a virus - like cold or flu. It’s less common (but still possible) for labyrinthitis to be caused by an ear infection, allergies, or using certain medicines that are bad for the inner ear.
It’s also possible for labyrinthitis to be caused by a bacteria, rather than a virus. This could affect your treatment, so it’s important that you’re honest about your health when you get your diagnosis so that you can get the most effective treatment.
There are also some factors to take into account that can increase the risk of labyrinthitis, including:
The main symptoms of labyrinthitis are vertigo (where it feels like everything around you is spinning) and dizziness.
Symptoms of labyrinthitis can start suddenly, and usually worsen before easing off slightly. Some of the other symptoms of labyrinthitis are:
Some symptoms, such as loss of balance, can take weeks or months to get back to normal.
Around 10% of people with labyrinthitis go on to develop benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This is a problem in the inner ear that’s the most common cause of vertigo. Vertigo can cause problems with balance, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, feeling like the room’s spinning and an increased risk of falls. This, in turn, can increase your risk of falling over and injuring yourself.
These symptoms can come and go, and don’t usually last for long periods. The triggers for BPPV symptoms can vary from person to person, but they’re most commonly caused by a change in head position, standing or walking.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Anti-vertigo medications such as antihistamines are often used to treat some of the symptoms of labyrinthitis, like dizziness and nausea. These can help you feel more steady on your feet and safer when you’re moving around.
Sedatives, medication for dizziness and nausea, and corticosteroids are also used to relieve the symptoms of labyrinthitis. Our clinician can help you choose the best treatment for your symptoms and your health.
The best treatment for labyrinthitis for you will be the one that provides you with the most relief from symptoms without giving you too many side effects. This will often be an anti-vertigo medication, as vertigo symptoms, like problems with your balance and dizziness, are usually the most disruptive to your daily life. These symptoms can also be the cause of other ones, like nausea.
It’s important to take any treatment as directed by your clinician, as some shouldn’t be taken for longer than a certain amount of time. Ask our clinician if you’re not sure how long you should take your medication for.
There are also some things that you can do to try and help ease your labyrinthitis symptoms (as well as some things that you should avoid when you have labyrinthitis), including:
You don’t always need treatment for labyrinthitis. In many cases, the symptoms can subside within a few weeks. However, it can greatly affect your day-to-day ability to carry out normal tasks (such as driving, walking, shopping, watching TV, and reading) so most people prefer to look for treatment to stop their disruption and distress.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Histamine analogue that tackles the symptoms of inner ear conditions.
Generic tablet that treats a range of conditions causing vertigo.
Treat attacks of dizziness, nausea and balance problems.
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
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Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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