Vertigo is severe dizziness that is characterized by a spinning motion when one is standing still. A dysfunction in the inner portion of the ear, called the vestibular system, typically causes vertigo. Treatment with diuretics is usually recommended for patients with a specific type of vertigo called Meniere’s disease.
Physiology
Your inner ear contains several passageways and cavities that are collectively known as the labyrinth. The outside of your inner ear contains a hard structure called the bony labyrinth, while the inside portion of your inner ear contains a soft structure called the membranous labyrinth. The membranous labyrinth contains small hair-like projections and is filled with a fluid called endolymph. When your body moves, the endolymph moves as well, touching the hair-like projections and sending signals to your body about your movement.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that usually affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. In addition to vertigo, Meniere’s disease is characterized by a feeling of fullness in the ear and constant ringing, called tinnitus. One of the major causes of Meniere’s disease is a change in the volume, pressure and composition of the endolymph. This fluid change causes the hair-like projections to send abnormal messages to your body about movement, causing the symptoms of vertigo.
Diuretics and Meniere's Disease
Diuretics, which are also referred to as water pills, stimulate your kidneys to remove sodium from your blood. When sodium moves from your blood into your urine, it takes water with it. The movement of water from your blood to your urine reduces the total volume of water in your body. This also reduces the volume of the endolymph, which helps prevent the fluid from triggering abnormal sensations.
Considerations
Because diuretics stimulate urine production, they can cause you to lose important minerals, such as potassium. Because of this, you may need to increase your dietary intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and oranges. MayoClinic.com recommends consuming 3 to 4 extra servings per week. Because severe potassium loss can disrupt normal heartbeat, your doctor may recommend regular blood screenings to check your potassium levels while you are taking diuretics. In addition to increasing your potassium intake, your doctor may recommend reducing your sodium intake. Excess sodium causes your body to retain water, which can increase the volume of your endolymph.
