Difference between revisions of "Get Rid of Lightheadedness"

#Be aware of risk factors. There are certain factors that can make you more prone to lightheadedness. Knowing these can help you and your doctor identify the cause of your lightheadedness and the best way to rid yourself of it.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/risk-factors/con-20023004</ref>

#*If you are over the age of 65 years, you are more likely to have a medical condition or take medications that causes lightheadedness.<ref name="rf2"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/risk-factors/con-20023004</ref>  

#*Medications including drugs to lower blood pressure or pain, prevent seizures, sedatives and tranquilizers can cause lightheadedness.<ref name="rf1" />

#*If you’ve experienced past episodes of lightheadedness, you're more likely to get them in the future.<ref name="rf2" />

#See your doctor. Lightheadedness is often easily treated through self-care, but if you experience unexplained, recurring, or severe lightheadedness, see your doctor. This will help rule out more serious conditions and find the best way to get rid of your lightheadedness.<ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/symptoms/con-20023004</ref>

#*If you have unexplained, quick onset, and severe lightheadedness accompanied by the symptoms such as head injury, severe headache, a very stiff neck, blurred vision, sudden hearing loss, trouble speaking, leg or arm weakness, and chest pain or rapid slow heart rate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room to rule out a serious condition.<ref name="rf3" />

#*Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms of lightheadedness you have as well as about any medical conditions you have and medications you take. Keep a log of the times you feel lightheaded to share with your doctor. Your doctor may order tests or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of your lightheadedness.<ref name="rf4"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20023004</ref>

#*If your doctor doesn’t find a cause and your lightheadedness continues, your doctor will discuss possible medications you can take or self-care measures you can use to make your symptoms manageable.<ref name="rf4" />

#*If your lightheadedness is cause by an inner ear conditions, your doctor may prescribe balance retraining exercises, which is also called vestibular rehabilitation. You may also get a prescription for meclizine (Antivert), diazepam (Valium), or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) to help immediately alleviate nausea and lightheadedness.<ref name="rf5">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/treatment/con-20023004</ref>

#*If you have Meniere's disease, which causes the sensation of spinning, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic and dietary changes, such as a low-sodium diet, to minimize how much fluid your body is retaining.<ref name="rf6">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/basics/definition/con-20028251</ref>

#*If you have lightheadedness because of vestibular migraine, your doctor may help you figure out what triggers your attacks, such as diet, stress, sleep and exercise. Your doctor may also prescribe to help prevent attacks or relieve nausea.<ref name="rf6" />

#*If you suffer from an anxiety disorders, your doctor may prescribe medications and psychotherapy that may relieve your anxiety and dizziness.<ref name="rf6" />

#*If you have anemia, or low iron levels, your doctor may suggest self-care through dietary changes.<ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/causes/con-20023004</ref>

#*If you have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, your doctor may suggest self-care through eating regular, healthy meals and carrying a snack.<ref name="rf7" />

#*Heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, may decrease your blood volume causing orthostatic hypotension, or low pressure when you stand up from lying or sitting down.<ref name="rf7" /> Your doctor may suggest the self-care treatment sitting down and allowing your circulation to stabilize when this happens.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20023004</ref>

#*Some medications, including anti-seizure drugs, sedatives, and tranquilizers can also cause lightheadedness and your doctor may re-evaluation your use of these treatments if they’re causing your lightheadedness.<ref name="rf7" />

#Take a break from whatever activity you’re doing. No matter the cause of your lightheadedness, stop what you're doing and rest for a couple of minutes. This will help your circulation and brain adjust.<ref name="rf8" />

#*Continuing to move or moving suddenly can make your lightheadedness worse, and may cause you to lose your balance.<ref name="rf8" />

#*If you are not laying down and are able, consider putting your head on or between your knees. This will also help stabilize your blood flow and stop your lightheadedness.<ref name="rf9">http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/dizziness-lightheadedness-and-vertigo-home-treatment</ref>

#Take deep, steady breaths. Making sure that you are getting enough oxygen can help relieve lightheadedness. Taking deep, steady breaths will help to get your body vital oxygen, but also calm you down.<ref name="rf10">v</ref>

#*Try breathing to a count to help you focus on stabilizing your oxygen levels and pulse. For example, you can inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. Choose a count that suits you best.<ref name="rf11">http://www.homeremedyshop.com/20-tested-home-remedies-for-dizziness/</ref>

#*Breathing slowly and deeply will help decrease an elevated heart rate, which also can make you feel lightheaded.<ref name="rf11" />  

#Make sure you’re eating healthy, regular meals. Both low blood sugar and low iron levels can cause you to feel lightheaded. Making sure that you are eating healthy and regular meals can help you avoid feeling lightheaded.<ref name="rf9" />

#*If you have low iron levels, incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet to maintain safe levels of iron and help decrease the likelihood of lightheadedness. Examples of iron-rich foods are red and organ meats such as beef and liver, spinach, and dried beans.<ref name="rf11" />

#*In some cases, not having enough sodium in your diet can cause lightheadedness. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and this may help regulate your circulation and relieve your lightheadedness.<ref name="rf11" />  

#Avoid dehydration and overheating. Consuming enough liquids every day can keep you from feeling lightheaded. In hot weather, staying hydrated will also help you from overheating.<ref name="rf9" />

#*You should drink at least 10 glasses of liquid a day to prevent dehydration. Drink {{convert|2|USqt|ml|sigfig=1}} or 2 liters of cool liquids every 2 to 4 hours to relieve dehydration and overheating.<ref name="rf12">http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/dehydration-home-treatment</ref>

#*Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but you can also drink other liquids such as tea, fruit juice, sports beverages, or non-caffeinated soda.<ref name="rf9" />

#*Hyperthermia, or overheating, and dehydration can make you feel lightheaded. Resting in a cool place and drinking water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others) will usually help ease the dizzy feeling.<ref name="rf7" />

#*Remove as many clothes as possible to keep yourself cool and from losing any more fluids.<ref name="rf12" />

#Avoid substances that can make lightheadedness worse. Certain stimulants including caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, affect your circulation and increase your pulse. Avoiding these substances will help you prevent lightheadedness or keep it from getting worse.<ref name="rf8" />

#Arrange for help during bad episodes of lightheadedness. If you are experiencing frequent episodes of lightheadedness, especially unexplained lightheadedness, avoid driving a car or operating other heavy machinery.<ref name="rf8" /> In addition, you may need rest to help relieve your symptoms of lightheadedness. Arranging for friends, family, or colleagues to help you with transportation and other activities while you’re experiencing lightheadedness can ensure that you don’t seriously injure yourself or someone else.<ref name="rf13">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20023004</ref>

#*Keeping your home well lit and free of hazards that might cause you to trip or fall will also help you avoid serious injury.<ref name="rf13" />