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June 20
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Mary, I see that you are 73 years old, and we older people are more prone to inner ear problems, even the healthy. In addition to the AI answer, other potential causes include clogged sinuses (from allergies or a cold) and benign positional vertigo, which can develop with age. Dislodged debris, like a speck of sand in the inner ear, can also cause this, along with other possibilities.

Since you're not improving, I suggest you see an ENT and ask about vestibular rehabilitation, which can be very effective. I hope you get relief soon. Meanwhile, please be very careful to avoid falls. A walker may be a good idea for now.😘

June 21 (edited)
MyLupusTeam

Inner ear problems with lupus can be really frustrating, especially when multiple medications don't seem to be helping. You're definitely not alone in this struggle.

Lupus can affect the ears in a few ways, including through inflammation or as a side effect of certain medications. Some common lupus medications are known to Show Full Answer

Inner ear problems with lupus can be really frustrating, especially when multiple medications don't seem to be helping. You're definitely not alone in this struggle.

Lupus can affect the ears in a few ways, including through inflammation or as a side effect of certain medications. Some common lupus medications are known to potentially impact hearing or cause ear-related issues:

- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) β€” in rare cases, long-term use has been linked to hearing changes
- NSAIDs β€” can sometimes contribute to ear-related symptoms
- Corticosteroids like prednisone β€” affect many systems in the body and require careful monitoring

It's worth having an open conversation with your rheumatologist or asking for a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can help figure out whether lupus itself, or one of your medications, is the root cause.

A few tips that may help when navigating this:

- Write down your symptoms and when they started relative to any medication changes
- Bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments to help remember details
- Ask your doctor specifically about drug interactions if you're on multiple medications
- Request input from a pharmacist if needed β€” they're great resources for medication questions

Don't give up β€” finding the right combination of treatments can take time, but the right specialist can make a big difference! πŸ’™

June 20
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you all for the information. I did see ENT which didn't help. My MD have me on Tramoline cream which is helping and I'm see a new reh. Next week

June 25

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