Dizziness : Advice for Managing Lightheadedness

Your body is able to maintain balance by coordinating with many parts of the body. If there is any problem in any part, then you start feeling dizzy. Although dizziness is not a big problem, it can be a symptom of a serious problem. The following problems along with dizziness can be a sign of a serious problem -

• Stroke
• Chest pain 
• Back pain 
• Fever 
• Shortness of breath 
• Stiffness in neck 
• Difficulty in walking
• Fainting

If you are only feeling dizzy, then you do not need to worry.

(Read more - Vertigo)

If you are feeling dizzy, keep the following things in mind -

• Lie down as soon as you feel dizzy. This will reduce your risk of falling.
• Remove any object from the ground that can cause you to fall.
• Use a stick or walker if needed.
• If you are feeling dizzy due to excessive heat or dehydration, sit in a cool place and drink water. 
• Do not consume tobacco, caffeine and alcohol. 
• If you are outside, hold the railing while climbing stairs and while walking.
• Drink plenty of water or juice and get enough sleep. 
• Do not drive and do not use any machine.
• If you have frequent dizziness, visit your doctor and stay away from things that cause you to feel dizzy.

(Read more - Acupressure for Dizziness)

Dizziness is usually not a serious problem, but it can be a symptom of serious problems like heart attack and stroke. If you are having the following problems along with dizziness, then go to your doctor -

• Weakness of vision.
• Change in hearing ability. 
• Change in speech. 
• Different or severe headaches. 
• Shortness of breath.
• Difficulty walking.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Chest pain.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Very slow heartbeat.
• Weakness in the face or numbness of the face.
• Dizziness after a head injury.
• High fever. 
• Double vision.
• Fainting.
• Stiffness in the neck.
• Repeated vomiting. 
• Not able to move hands and legs.
• Seizures.

(Read more - Can high blood pressure cause dizziness?)

If someone around you is having a problem of dizziness, then you can help him in the following way -

• Make the person lie down or sit.
• If you feel that the person is having difficulty standing or walking, then immediately support him so that he does not fall.
• If the person is having difficulty standing, ask him to stand up slowly.
• If the person is feeling dizzy, talk to him to distract him and support him emotionally.
• If the person is feeling thirsty, give him water or juice to drink.
• Do not let the person go into bright light.
• If you feel that the person's symptoms are getting worse, take him to the doctor.

(Read more -First aid for fainting spells: What to do)

When you feel dizzy, first sit or lie down in a safe and comfortable place. Try to keep your head elevated and breathe slowly and deeply. Lack of water in the body can cause dizziness, so drink enough water. If dizziness may be related to eating and drinking, eat some light food. Avoid getting up suddenly, as this can increase dizziness. If dizziness lasts for a long time or occurs repeatedly, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as it may be a sign of some other health problem.