Dizziness can be a result of many different factors from being dehydrated to having low sugars or low blood pressure. Dizziness can be described in a number of different ways including:

• Feeling the room is moving/spinning (Vertigo)
• Feeling giddy
• Feeling lightheaded
• Feeling off balance
• Feeling like jelly

My own experience

All of the above feelings of dizziness I have experienced at some point and none of them are particularly pleasant. I have low blood pressure therefore I find moving too quickly or getting up too fast a problem which can cause issues if I ever try to exercise. I also experiences bouts of dizziness alongside headaches which can sometimes be accompanied with nausea. I often find I get flare ups of dizziness and it can made worse if I am tired. In particularly bad flare ups I find I cannot read books/words or look at a computer screen because it makes me feel worse. Like fatigue dizziness is a difficult symptom to live with as it can stop me being able to function.

Tips for Dizziness: As always check with your doctor before trying any new tips or ideas.

• Drink plenty of water – Dehydration can contribute to particular forms of dizziness so it is always worth making sure you are regularly drinking. Try little and often if you find drinking large amounts difficult.

• Sit down – If you find yourself in a situation where dizziness has occurred if you are able to sit or lie down until it passes and then get up again slowly.

• Think about your movements – If you are like me and have issues with postural dizziness then you need to think about your movements and make them slow and careful e.g. standing up slowly, not rushing about, taking breaks when walking.

• Get plenty of rest – The worst thing you can do with dizziness is overexert yourself and push yourself too much. Fatigue and tiredness will contribute to headaches and/or dizziness so make sure you get enough sleep and rest.

• Speak to your doctor – If you find that nothing is helping your dizziness or it appears to have come out nowhere you should go and see your doctor. Dizziness can be caused by many different reasons that may or may not be related to your chronic illness therefore it is always worth getting it checked out.

Next week’s symptom: Mental Health