Dizziness
Definition:
Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady. Dizziness that creates the false sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo.
Signs & Symptoms:
With dizziness, the person may feel faint, near passing out, weak, nauseated, confused, tired, clumsy, off balance, or any combination of these. The individual may perceive a sensation of movement, spinning, rocking, or whirling, of themselves or the room (possible vertigo).
Often, dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
Faintness (“lightheadedness”) or actual fainting
Weakness or tiredness
Confusion
Feeling off balance
Headache or head pressure
Chest pain or tightness
Nausea or vomiting
Cause:
Dizziness caused by psychiatric conditions
Depression, anxiety, or panic disorder
Hyperventilation is from breathing too fast or too deeply, usually from anxiety or metabolic disorders
Somatization is the conversion of a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, into physical symptoms. Often, the patient may be unaware of the underlying mental illness and insist they have only physical complaints.
Anxiety also causes stress, and vice-versa, which can cause dizziness.
Dizziness caused by other diseases or conditions
Internal bleeding or hemorrhage
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Prolonged bed rest, causing weakness and loss of ability to compensate for assuming an upright position infections
Endocrine diseases in which hormone-producing organs such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland affect hydration, salt balance, and function of other organs
Allergies may cause wheezing and low blood pressure, or can trigger sinusitis, which can result in dizziness
Postprandial hypotension (low blood pressure after eating)
How To Cure:
- Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to deal with dizziness. It will help provide an adequate amount of oxygen to the brain, which in turn will relax the nervous system and reduce dizziness.
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Place one hand on your abdomen, place the thumb of your other hand against one nostril and close your mouth.
Inhale slowly through your open nostril and try to fill your belly with air.
Hold the breath in, close both nostrils and purse your lips.
After 2 to 3 seconds, exhale slowly and try to extract air from your belly.
Repeat these steps 10 times.
Then, sit quietly for 5 minutes and breathe normally to avoid getting dizzy again.
- Drink Water
Dehydration is a common cause of dizziness. This can be due to not drinking water for a long time or failing to rehydrate your body during and after exercise. Dehydration can also result from vomiting or diarrhea that causes excessive fluid loss.
When you feel dizzy, try drinking a glass of water. To keep dehydration and dizziness at bay, drink an ample amount of water throughout the day.
You can also try drinking herbal tea with a little honey, soups and broths, or fruit juices.
- Eat Something
Dizziness can be caused due to a low blood sugar level, especially for diabetics. In addition, hunger can make you more prone to dizziness. So, when dizziness hits, try eating something. In fact, its a good idea to avoid remaining hungry for long periods of time if you are prone to dizziness.
Eat a snack that is high in carbohydrates or sugar like a chocolate bar or a banana.
Any fruit high in water content will do the trick.
A bowl of yogurt with fruit is another good option.
A handful of roasted nuts like cashews, almonds or walnuts may also work.
