Labyrinthitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention Guide

Many chronic diseases and health problems occur in the human body that cause discomfort, pain, and other health issues. Labyrinthitis is one such inflammatory health problem that affects your inner ear. In this situation, a person is suffering from hearing loss, vertigo, and other symptoms that can get worse when left untreated. Also, there is swelling in the inner ear that causes pain or sometimes watery discharge. 

Moreover, treating Labyrinthitis requires certain medications or even surgery. If you are one who is suffering from Labyrinthitis or looking for detailed information for treating your belongings, then this article is right to read. Here is a detailed knowledge and overview of Labyrinthitis, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and tests, management and treatment, along with prevention tips. 

Labyrinthitis: Overview And Its Causes

In the human ear system, Labyrinthitis is considered the main component responsible for hearing and sense of balance. Labyrinthitis is a serious problem that causes infection in the inner ear, which is categorized as inflammation of the Labyrinth. Also, when it gets infected or irritated due to certain factors, hearing and sense functions can be affected. 

Moreover, two types of Labyrinthitis infection happen in the human ear: like-viral Labyrinthitis and bacterial Labyrinthitis. Further, viral Labyrinthitis is considered common and shows no symptoms like swelling. Also, bacterial Labyrinthitis is considered serious and affects the sensory nerves, thereby affecting their functioning.

It can cause severe to mild pain and provide discomfort. The main causes of this disease are given below-

• Due to viral infections of the inner ear.
• There can be stomach viruses that result in Labyrinthitis. 
• Also, bacterial infections within the ear and body.
• Due to respiratory illness or bronchitis. 
• Cold or flu viruses that settle in the ear.
•  Certain head injury.
• Congenital Abnormalities in the inner ear or others.

What Symptoms Are Shown With A Person Suffering From Labyrinthitis?

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis are common, and sometimes, people are unaware of them. Also, there are some situations that trigger these Symptoms, like smoking, drinking more alcohol, taking a lot of stress due to some allergies or others. Besides, Some symptoms that show Labyrinth are-

• Loss of balance can lead you to fall from one side.
• You might suffer dizziness that can worsen with vomiting or nausea.
• You may see a ringing sound within the ear.
• There might be hearing loss in the affected ear.
• Unusual ways of moving your eyes.
• Sometimes, vision problems in patients are seen. 

How Is Labyrinthitis Diagnosed?

If you are suffering from Labyrinthitis and showing its signs, you must consider visiting a doctor instead of treating yourself. Here, the doctor will diagnose on the basis of physical examination and symptoms. You will go through neurological exams with certain clinical tests. However, recent studies reveal that there is no specific test related to the diagnosis of Labyrinthitis. But if severe conditions happen, you may go through additional tests like-

• CT Scan of your head.
• You may go through a hearing test.
• You may go through the Electronystagmography (ENG) test.
• Also, doctors can suggest Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests. 
• Also, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your head.
• Vestibular Test Battery in which the balance portion of Labyrinthitis is known.

What Are Treatments For Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis symptoms and consequences can vary from person to person, and related treatment is done accordingly. Moreover, treatment related to Labyrinthitis depends on the root of the condition and its cause. Additionally, after diagnosis of this condition, your doctor aims to treat it immediately to reduce further hearing complications. 

If your infection is due to a virus, then your doctor can prescribe you antiviral medications and antibiotics in case it is bacterial or something else. Besides, if you are suffering from nerve inflammation, then they recommend taking steroids. Additionally, there are certain medications to cure dizziness and nausea on a short-term basis. 

Furthermore, if you are still suffering from Labyrinthitis, then there are many rehabilitation exercises that control your issues by retraining your brain and adjusting vestibular imbalance. Moreover, if it is mild, there are many home remedies that can treat Labyrinthitis and cure it as early as possible, like-

1. If you are suffering from pain, you can apply a warm compress over the affected ear. 
2. Try to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
3. Try to relax your mind with stress management techniques. 
4. You can gargle with hot water with salt that heals Labyrinthitis as your throat is directly connected to the middle ear.
5. Take multivitamins or certain medications that boost energy. 
6. Drinking enough water and having rest can reduce risk to some extent.
7. Try every way to self by not driving more, avoiding bright lights, TV, or reading and writing.

Some Basic Prevention Tips For Reducing The Risk Of Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is a serious ear problem that affects overall health and mental well-being. Besides, it can cause other health issues like nausea, vomiting, nerve damage, and others. So, it is necessary to wash your hands properly in cold and flu season so that viruses and bacteria do not pass your ear and cause infection. However, there are some preventive tips that can resolve this problem-

• Try to keep social distance or protective social behaviors.
• Always drink enough water to stay hydrated, as vomiting may dehydrate you.
•  You can go through vestibular rehabilitation exercises to reduce symptoms of dizziness or nausea. 
• You can go through a physical therapy program to unveil the consequences and treatment.
• Try to avoid lifestyle patterns that are affecting your life.

Conclusion

Labyrinthitis is a serious complication that affects your ear, nerves, brain, and others. Besides, the above-detailed information on this problem can help you to get the best treatment and live a healthier life. Moreover, if a certain severe complication happens, like pain, headache, or unnecessary sounds in the ear, then contact a health care provider or otolaryngologist. 

They would eventually treat the throat, ear, and nose, which are connected to each other. Besides, they can offer personalized treatment plans and determine the cause of symptoms and thereby treat them effectively. Also, adopt healthy lifestyles and try to maintain hygiene so that no infection attacks any part of the body.

References

• Sennaroğlu L, Bajin MD. Classification and Current Management of Inner Ear Malformations. Balkan Med J. 2017 Sep 29;34(5):397-411. [PMC free article]
• Ekdale EG. Form and function of the mammalian inner ear. J Anat. 2016 Feb;228(2):324-37. [PubMed]