Feeling dizzy? Here's how to get your balance back

When you're feeling dizzy, standing can become difficult and disorienting. Get your balance back with these important health tips.

Dizziness is a general term used to describe three common conditions:

1. Vertigo: the sensation that you are moving when you are standing or sitting still.
2. Light-headedness: the sensation of feeling like you are about to pass out.
3. Disequilibrium: the sensation of feeling unsteady when you are standing on two feet.

The causes of dizziness are many and varied. However, most cases of dizziness result from something simple, such as inadequate fluid intake or an abrupt change in position.

Dizziness is often temporary and resolves itself without treatment. However, if you need to get rid of dizziness fast, these self-care tips may help:

• Prop your head up: When lying down, prop yourself up slightly to improve the blood flow to your head.
• Avoid sudden changes of position: After lying flat, sit upright and regain your composure before attempting to stand.
• Move around slowly: This is especially important immediately after adopting a standing position.
• Drink water: Dehydration may bring on, or worsen, your dizziness.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco: These substances can restrict the blood flow to your brain, making your symptoms worse.
• Refrain from physical labour: Avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery or climbing up ladders while you are experiencing an episode of dizziness.
• Avoid sugar rushes: Refrain from eating foods that will upset the balance of sugar in your bloodstream.

If you've tried the above and your dizziness does not go away, or if your symptoms become more frequent or worsen in severity, book an appointment with a doctor.

• They can help determine whether your dizziness is due to a problem with your inner ear or another cause.
• If you only feel dizzy when standing, your doctor may decide that your condition results from an inner ear problem, while if you only feel dizzy when lying down, he or she may decide that it is due to an inner ear abnormality.

• Detail your dizzy spells in a journal and use it to report your symptoms to your doctor.
• You should also make a list of all the medications you are currently taking, as your doctor will need to check that your dizziness does not result from one or more of these drugs.