Which treatment is used to decrease water in the ear in Meniere's disease?

• A. Lasix to decrease water in ear
• B. Benadryl, atropine, Dramamine
• C. Decreased sodium in diet
• D. Stop smoking

Answer: (A)

Excess fluid in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops) is what drives the vertigo and hearing changes in Menière disease, so the treatment goal is to reduce body water to lessen endolymphatic pressure. A diuretic like Lasix (furosemide) is used because it promotes salt and water loss by the kidneys, lowering overall fluid in the body and thereby decreasing the fluid in the inner ear. This direct reduction helps stabilize endolymph pressure and reduce vertigo episodes. Sodium restriction can help with fluid balance, but the diuretic provides the most direct impact on ear fluid. Other options don’t target fluid balance in the ear: antiemetics or motion-sickness meds may help with nausea, but they don’t reduce ear fluid; stopping smoking has general health benefits but doesn’t address the fluid issue. Monitoring for dehydration and electrolyte changes, especially potassium, is important with this therapy.