What to do if I feel dizzy and nauseous?

Feeling dizzy and nauseous at the same time can be a debilitating feeling. Read on to find out why you may be feeling this way and what you can do to treat and prevent it.

Feeling dizzy and nauseous can be symptoms of a number of medical conditions. Seek prompt medical attention if you are experiencing either of these, or a combination of both symptoms, for more than 24 hours, or if they suddenly worsen. According to medical specialists, there are 94 conditions associated with feeling dizzy and nauseous. The following is a list of some of the most common conditions:

• Allergic reaction
• Overdoing exercise or physical activity
• Meniere's disease
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes/low blood sugar
• Anemia
• Acute kidney failure
• VitaminB12deficiency
• Drug abuse
• Hypothyroidism
• Tick bite
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Motion sickness
• Sleep deprivation
• Stomach flu
• Migraine

There are numerous treatments for dizziness or nausea your doctor may consider, depending on what is causing it.

• Temporarily discontinue oral medications (consult your doctor before doing this)
• Avoid eating solid food until the nausea has passed
• Take a non-prescription drug made for treating nausea (consult your doctor before taking any medication)
• Gradually increase the amount of liquid you consume to help keep you hydrated
• Use an oral rehydrating solution to helphydratethe body

• Surgery to correct problems in the inner ear
• Make dietary changes (both food and beverages)
• Prescription drugs
• Physiotherapy

• Rest after eating with your head higher than your feet
• Avoid foods that are hard to digest
• Eat six small meals per day instead of three large ones
• Avoid drinking fluids during meals
• Avoid acidic beverages such as orange juice
• Drink a small amount of a sweet beverage such as ginger ale
• Sit down or lie down in a propped up position
• Get plenty of bed rest

• Avoid moving suddenly
• Sit down until the feeling of dizziness subsides
• Drink lots of water
• Focus on a particular spot
• Have something to eat
• Check your medications as some can cause dizziness
• Do not lie down flat on your back, sit in a propped up position

If you are experiencing persistent nausea and dizziness that lasts more than 24 hours, be sure to contact your doctor. If your dizziness or nausea cause fainting, contact your doctor immediately. Remember, both dizziness and nausea can be symptoms of minor medical conditions such as a stomach flu, but they can also be symptoms of something far more serious.