Correlating atmospheric pressure and temperature with Meniere attack
Yi-Jia Chen1, Ya-Hui Wang2, Yi-Ho Young3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Catholic Cardinal Tien Hospital, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan.
Objective:
This paper correlated the Meniere attack with meteorological parameters i.e. atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall, to investigate which parameters that trigger the Meniere attack.
Methods:
During the past three years, totally 283 (2015), 351 (2016) and 319 (2017) patients with Meniere's disease (MD) were encountered at a clinic of the university hospital, accounting for 13%, 17% and 16% incidence in relation to overall annual neurotological cases, respectively. The onset of Meniere attack was then correlated with meteorological parameters.
Results:
The mean seasonal incidence of Meniere attack in relation to overall seasonal neurotological cases in 2015-2017 were 14.8 ± 2.8% (spring), 17.5 ± 2.2% (summer), 16.0 ± 1.8 % (autumn) and 12.8 ± 2.0% (winter), indicating that summer season had a higher incidence of Meniere attacks than winter season. Onset of Meniere attacks correlated significantly with the atmospheric pressure (r = -0.4484, p = 0.0061) and temperature (r = 0.4736, p = 0.0035), and the atmospheric pressure was highly negatively correlated with the temperature (r = -0.9421, p < 0.0001). In contrast, no correlation was identified between the onset of Meniere attacks and relative humidity or rainfall. The atmospheric pressure in the same month with typhoon compared with that without typhoon revealed a median reduction of 13.1 hectopascal.
Conclusion:
Atmospheric pressure and temperature are correlated with the onset of Meniere attack. Summer season has a higher incidence of Meniere attack than winter season, likely because low atmospheric pressure in summer may aggravate endolymphatic hydrops, especially when accompanied by typhoons in the northwest Pacific region.
Insights
Meniere attacks are linked to atmospheric pressure and temperature changes, with higher incidence in summer. Lower atmospheric pressure, especially during typhoons, may worsen Meniere disease symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Environmental Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Meniere's disease (MD) is a neurotological condition affecting balance and hearing.
- Environmental factors are suspected triggers for Meniere attacks.
- Understanding these triggers can aid in patient management and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Meniere attacks and meteorological parameters.
- To identify specific weather conditions that may precipitate Meniere attacks.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Meniere's disease patient data over three years (2015-2017).
- Correlation of Meniere attack onset with atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall.
- Comparison of atmospheric pressure during typhoon and non-typhoon months.
Main Results:
- Meniere attacks showed a significant correlation with atmospheric pressure (negative) and temperature (positive).
- Summer season exhibited a higher incidence of Meniere attacks compared to winter.
- No significant correlation was found between Meniere attacks and relative humidity or rainfall.
- Atmospheric pressure decreased significantly during months with typhoons.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric pressure and temperature are key meteorological factors associated with Meniere attack onset.
- The higher incidence of Meniere attacks in summer may be linked to lower atmospheric pressure, potentially exacerbating endolymphatic hydrops.
- Typhoon-related pressure drops could further influence Meniere attack frequency.
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