Feeling weak, nauseous, and dizzy? Learn what you should do when experiencing these symptoms. Understand the causes, when to call a doctor, and how to manage dizziness and nausea.

Understanding Dizziness and Its Causes

Dizziness is a common problem that can range from mild to severe. During a spell of dizziness, you may feel as though you’re spinning or moving when you’re not, a sensation known as vertigo. Other symptoms of dizziness include feeling lightheaded or faint, unsteady on your feet, and woozy or heavy-headed.

The causes of dizziness can vary, but they often involve issues with the inner ear, circulatory problems, or certain medications. Some common causes of dizziness include:

• Sudden drops in blood pressure, which can happen when you stand up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension)
• Poor blood circulation, such as irregular heartbeats or a heart attack
• Inner ear problems like Meniere’s syndrome or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
• Certain medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, tranquilizers, and sedatives
• Anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks
• Low iron levels (anemia)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea

If you experience a dizzy spell, the first thing to do is sit or lie down to lower your risk of falling. If you have vertigo, it may help to lie down in a dark, quiet place with your eyes closed. Drinking water can also provide fast relief, especially if you’re dizzy due to dehydration.

Dizziness often occurs alongside nausea, and this combination can be particularly unpleasant. While nausea with dizziness is usually not serious, it’s important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms, especially if they occur frequently or you don’t know the cause.

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical help right away if you’re dizzy and also have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• A severe headache
• A sudden change in vision, hearing, or speech
• Numbness or weakness
• A head injury
• A high fever
• Stiffness in your neck

These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition, such as a stroke or a severe infection. Don’t wait to get medical attention if you’re experiencing these concerning symptoms along with dizziness.

Preventing and Managing Dizziness

There are several steps you can take to help prevent and manage dizziness:

• Remove potential tripping hazards in your home to reduce the risk of falls
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, which can worsen dizziness symptoms
• Drink enough fluids and get plenty of sleep
• Be aware of things that trigger your dizziness, such as lights, noise, and fast movement, and try to limit your exposure to them
• If you take medications, talk to your doctor about possible side effects that could be causing dizziness

If you experience frequent or persistent dizziness, make an appointment with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.

Dizziness and Nausea in Different Populations

While dizziness and nausea can affect anyone, certain groups are more likely to experience these symptoms:

• Older adults: As we age, our balance and inner ear function can decline, making us more prone to dizziness and vertigo.
• Pregnant women: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can contribute to dizziness and nausea.
• People with chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders can increase the risk of dizziness and related symptoms.

If you fall into one of these higher-risk groups, it’s especially important to pay attention to any persistent or severe dizziness or nausea and discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Complications and Risks of Dizziness

While dizziness itself is not usually a serious condition, it can lead to several complications and risks, including:

• Falls: Dizziness and unsteadiness can increase the risk of falls, which can result in injuries like fractures.
• Accidents: Dizziness can impair your ability to perform tasks safely, such as driving or operating machinery, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
• Anxiety and depression: Frequent or persistent dizziness can take a toll on your mental health, potentially contributing to the development of anxiety or depression.

Taking steps to prevent and manage dizziness, as well as seeking medical attention when necessary, can help reduce these risks and complications.