How To Get Rid Of Dizziness In South Africa
What is Dizziness?
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. Dizziness is one of the more common reasons adults visit their doctors.
Altered sense of balance and place, possibly described as lightheaded, feeling faint or as if head is spinning.
Dizziness can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include spinning in circles, intoxication, medication side effects or standing up too quickly.
How To Get Rid Of Dizziness In South Africa
Sleep well
A good night’s sleep can be harder to come by as we get older. And poor quality sleep can in turn be a factor in dizziness. Focus on making the conditions right for sleep – what experts call ‘sleep hygiene’ to help yourself to more restorative shut-eye. Steps include avoiding alcohol in the evening, taking time to wind down before bed time, making sure your bedroom is quiet, calm and not too hot or cold, and making it strictly off limits for your mobile, tablet or laptop.
Drink plenty of fluids
Changes in body composition, reduced kidney function, blunted thirst, ailments, and being on multiple medications can all increase the risk of dehydration – a common cause of dizziness[4]. Aim to drink around five eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Tap water is fine, but if you dislike the taste, keep a water filter jug in your fridge and top up your glass or bottle regularly. Add a sliver of orange, lemon, lime or ginger, or a sprig of mint or lemon grass, to liven things up.
Try mindfulness
Poor breathing patterns e.g. fast shallow breathing can trigger or exacerbate dizziness. Mindfulness training and mindfulness-based CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), which involves becoming aware of your breathing and learning to respond differently to anxious thoughts about dizziness[10] could help as part of a comprehensive programme designed to reduce dizziness.
Check blood pressure
The incidence of postural hypotension – aka orthostatic hypotension – which is a fall in blood pressure when you stand or sit up suddenly up, increases as we get older[3]. It can be linked with heart problems, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and cognitive decline (problems with attention, memory and concentration), as well as being a risk for falls and a reduced quality of life.
Seek professional help
If simple steps don’t help ask your GP, health insurance provider or self-refer to a vestibular disorders clinic or a physiotherapist specialising in vestibular rehabilitation, which is the treatment and management of dizziness and balance problems.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What can I do to take my dizziness away?
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down at once. This will lower your chance of falling down. If you have vertigo, it may help to lie down in a dark, quiet place with your eyes closed. Drinking water may also give you fast relief, especially if you’re dizzy because you’re dehydrated.
Can paracetamol cure dizziness?
Dizziness can also be due to a viral ear infection, which interferes with balance. In this case, giving paracetamol to reduce any fever and drinking lots of fluids is usually all that’s required.
Is dizziness a symptom of coronavirus?
Dizziness and vertigo are two potential symptoms of COVID-19. Current reports indicate that these symptoms often appear early and may be relatively common.
How long can dizziness last?
How long will the dizziness last? Depending on the cause, mild vertigo usually lasts no longer than 1 to 2 weeks. More severe vertigo can last several weeks. With Ménière’s disease, the vertigo may come and go, or it might become an ongoing problem.
Should I go to urgent care for dizziness?
If the dizziness is not fleeting, eased by lying down or your balance is compromised, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. If dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Other neurological symptoms, including double vision and loss of vision.
How do you get rid of dizziness from Covid?
Movement involving your eyes, head and body has been shown to help reduce dizziness and improve balance and fatigue in many conditions affecting the balance system.
Why do I keep feeling dizzy?
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it’s caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury. The way dizziness makes you feel and your triggers provide clues for possible causes.
How do you know if dizziness is serious?
Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following:
- Sudden, severe headache.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Numbness or paralysis of arms or legs.
- Fainting.
- Double vision.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Confusion or slurred speech.
What is the best medicine to take for dizziness?
If your dizziness comes with nausea, try an over-the-counter (nonprescription) antihistamine, such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). These may cause drowsiness. Nondrowsy antihistamines aren’t as effective.
Earwax Buildup & Blockage. Earwax, also called cerumen, is made by the body to protect the ears. The ear wax has both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Untreated buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ears and other problems.
Should I go to urgent care for dizziness?
If the dizziness is not fleeting, eased by lying down or your balance is compromised, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. If dizziness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Other neurological symptoms, including double vision and loss of vision.