Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is fairly common among people of all ages. The dilemma is that there are plenty of reasons why a person might feel this way which means that it is also easy for a doctor to misdiagnose their patient when it comes to these symptoms. Below are some of the reasons why we may feel dizzy or lightheaded.

1. Anxiety – Feeling dizzy is often one of the very first symptoms of anxiety. Those who aren’t able to manage their anxiety often start to hyperventilate and the rush of adrenaline will make them feel light-headed which can sometimes lead to a panic attack. Stress-related dizziness is quite common.

2. Dehydration – Our bodies are 60 percent water, so we need to be sure that we continually replenish the liquid that we lose through our sweat glands. As we age, we don’t retain as much water as we did when we were younger. If you are feeling light headed, especially on a hot summer day, it could be the first indication that you are dehydrated.

3. Anemia – If your iron levels are low, you may suffer from anemia. This condition occurs when your blood lacks enough blood cells which prevents enough oxygen from getting to your brain. Eating iron-rich foods like red meat, fish, whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables can help with this condition. Talk to your doctor because you may need to start taking iron supplements.

4. Low Blood Pressure – Sometimes if you stand up too quickly or stand for long periods of time, you may feel dizzy enough to feel like you’re about to fall down. This is likely caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can be very dangerous. Eating a bit of candy or drinking something sugary can help relieve the symptoms as sugar will raise your blood levels and help you feel normal again.

5. Vertigo – Experts estimate that most people in the world have experienced vertigo at some point. Your inner ear has fluid that helps your body stay balanced, but when that fluid is compromised, you may start feeling dizzy. This condition is usually easy to remedy with the help of your doctor.

6. Ear Infection – The same fluid in your ear that helps keep you balanced can lead you to feel dizzy and nauseated. If your ear hurts when this is happening, it could mean that you have an ear infection and need antibiotics. See your doctor to get a prescription if you suspect this is the cause.

7. Meniere’s Disease – If you feel dizzy off and on during the day and you feel like there is something in your ear that keeps you from hearing normally, you could be suffering from Meniere’s Disease. This occurs when the fluid pressure in your ear increases which can make you feel lightheaded. Consuming less salt can help reduce the fluid build up.

8. Cardiac Arrhythmia – Our bodies need oxygen, and the only way to get the oxygen to our brain is when our heart transports enough healthy red blood cells. People with irregular heartbeats often suffer from lightheadedness because it changes the way the blood flows to their brain. This is a serious condition that could lead to cardiac arrest if not properly monitored by a doctor.

9. Medications – All medications have some kind of side effect, and nausea and lightheadedness are two of the most common. It could mean that you’re allergic to the medication, and if that is the case, you should consult with your doctor if you feel like your medication is the cause of your dizziness.

10. Aging – Our bodies change as we age and unfortunately, dizziness is quite common in older people. Maintaining an active lifestyle can sometimes help you ward off age-related dizziness.

If you have experienced dizziness that you think might be related to one of the above conditions, schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if there are any possible remedies to help with your condition. Be sure to share this article with your friends if you think it could help them too.