Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. Located deep inside the inner ear, the labyrinth is made up of 3 semicircular canals that help control your balance. Inflammation of these canals, or labyrinthitis, can occur as a result of a viral or, more rarely, a bacterial infection. Labyrinthitis may cause vertigo—a sensation of spinning or whirling—that may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting. The vertigo gradually goes away over a period of several days to weeks.

The cause of labyrinthitis is not clear. It is often triggered by an upper respiratory infection (such as the flu or a cold).1 Less often, labyrinthitis may develop after a middle ear infection (otitis media).2 Rarely, labyrinthitis is triggered by a bacterial infection.

Labyrinthitis is diagnosed with a medical history and a physical examination. If you have symptoms of vertigo, your health professional will determine whether it is due to inflammation of the labyrinth. In particular, your health professional will look for signs of viral or bacterial infection, such as an ear infection, which can trigger labyrinthitis. If the cause of your vertigo is not clear, your health professional may perform additional tests to rule out other conditions.

Be aware that recovery may take as long as 6 weeks. During this time, limit activities that vertigo may make hazardous. Article Tags: Drugs, Diseases, Symptoms And Treatment, Diseases And Conditions, Labyrinthitis, Conditions And Ailments Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/effects-of-labyrinthitis-on-the-body-222395.html Robert Baird is a writer for http://www.health-diseases.org .

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