Symptoms
The primary symptom is tinnitus, which can manifest as:
Ringing in the ears
Buzzing sounds
Roaring sounds
Clicking noises
Hissing sounds
Decreased hearing acuity
In severe cases, vertigo (a sensation of spinning)
Causes
Quinine-induced tinnitus is caused by the ototoxic (toxic to the ear) effects of quinine on the inner ear, specifically the cochlea and auditory nerve. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's believed to involve:
Interference with the function of hair cells within the cochlea.
Disruption of nerve signals related to hearing.
Reduction in blood flow to the inner ear.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medication to directly reverse quinine-induced tinnitus.
The primary treatment is cessation of quinine use.
In some cases, medications to manage the symptoms of tinnitus may be prescribed by a doctor such as:
Tricyclic antidepressants.
Alprazolam.
Is Communicable
No, quinine-induced tinnitus is not a communicable disease. It is a side effect of medication and not caused by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Use Quinine Judiciously: Only use quinine when medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
Inform Your Doctor: Tell your doctor about any history of tinnitus or hearing problems before starting quinine.
Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for any signs of tinnitus or hearing changes while taking quinine.
Report Symptoms: Report any new or worsening tinnitus symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Consider Alternatives: Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor if you're concerned about quinine's side effects.
Proper Dosage: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage of quinine.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak," Quinine-induced tinnitus is a side effect. The duration of tinnitus symptoms varies:
Short-term: Tinnitus may resolve within days to weeks after stopping quinine.
Long-term: In some cases, tinnitus can persist for months or even be permanent, even after discontinuing quinine.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical History: A detailed review of your medical history, including quinine use.
Symptom Assessment: Description of the tinnitus (sound, loudness, duration).
Physical Examination: Examination of the ears, nose, and throat.
Audiological Testing: Hearing tests (audiometry) to assess hearing loss and identify the nature of the tinnitus. These may include:
Pure-tone audiometry
Tympanometry
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing
Ruling out other causes: Excluding other potential causes of tinnitus.
Timeline of Symptoms
Onset: Tinnitus typically starts during quinine treatment, often within days or weeks.
Progression: The intensity of tinnitus may gradually increase with continued quinine use.
Post-Quinine: Symptoms may resolve, persist, or fluctuate after stopping quinine.
Variable: The timeline can vary significantly from person to person.
Important Considerations
Individual Variability: People respond differently to quinine. Some may experience tinnitus at lower doses, while others may tolerate higher doses without problems.
Risk Factors: Pre-existing hearing loss or other ear disorders may increase the risk of quinine-induced tinnitus.
Alternative Medications: Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor if quinine is causing intolerable tinnitus.
Prompt Action: Early recognition and discontinuation of quinine is crucial to minimize the risk of permanent hearing damage.
No Cure-All: There is no guaranteed cure for tinnitus, but management strategies can help cope with the symptoms.
Underlying Conditions: Rule out other potential causes of tinnitus with a through medical examination.