Prevalence and Epidemiology
The worldwide incidence of Meniere's disease is approximately 12 out of every 1,000 people.[3] Perhaps 100,000 patients develop Meniere's disease every year.[4] The overall number affected is about 0.2% of U.S. citizens, a figure of about 615,000 individuals.[5,6] Despite that, 2% of people living in the U.S. believe they have symptoms that would indicate a diagnosis of Meniere's disease.[5] These people either have the disease, and it has not been formally diagnosed, or they have symptoms suggestive of Meniere's that are actually attributable to another condition.
The age at the first attack of Meniere's is usually in the third to sixth decade of life.[7] There may be a genetic component to Meniere's, since there is a positive family history in 20% of patients.[7] Patients who are at greater risk include those with a recent viral illness or respiratory infection, those with a history of allergies, smoking, stress, fatigue, or alcohol use, and patients taking aspirin.[4] There does not appear to be a gender preference.[5]
US Pharmacist. 2005;30(7) © 2005 Jobson Publishing
Cite this: Meniere's Disease - Medscape - Jul 15, 2005.
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