😵 Feeling dizzy or faint
Feeling faint may also be due to emotional shock or panic, or may occur in pregnancy. An occasional episode is rarely a cause for concern, but sometimes the problem is due to an underlying condition or to certain drugs.
- Diabetes
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Weakness in your arms or legs, slurred speech, or blurred vision
🩺 See your doctor first
- You are taking a prescribed medicine that may be causing the problem, such as drugs for high blood pressure or tranquilizers
✨ What you can do yourself
- Keep your head down on your knees or your feet raised and take deep breaths.
- If it has been several hours since you last ate, eat or drink a snack that contains sugar (not something containing artificial sweeteners).
- Don't drink caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, cola, or alcohol, and don't smoke, since all of these can make your symptoms worse.
- Don't try to drive or operate machinery until you are completely recovered.
🛠️ Practical technique · Recovery measures
If you feel faint or dizzy, sit down and put your head on your knees. Alternatively, lie down and raise your legs on a chair or cushion. Try to keep calm, because fast breathing (hyperventilating) and anxiety can make symptoms worse. Breathe slowly and deeply. Open a window or go out into fresh air if you feel steady on your feet.
🛡️ Prevention · Avoiding dizzy spells
Avoid stuffy spaces
Avoid hot and stuffy environments. Have a window open, or go out into fresh air from time to time.
Don't rush
Don't get up suddenly after lying down or sitting.
Drink enough water
Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water a day.
Steady blood sugar
Have healthy snacks, such as fruit, between meals to keep your blood sugar level steady.
On the toilet
Avoid straining on the toilet, since this can cause a drop in blood pressure and make you feel faint.
If you are pregnant
Don't stand for long periods or lie flat on your back.
🔄 Seek further medical advice
📅 Arrange to see your doctor if: you do not recover promptly from an episode of dizziness or feeling faint, or you have repeated episodes of feeling faint or dizzy, or you develop any other symptoms.
💡 Remember: Most dizzy spells pass quickly with rest and slow breathing. But if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by chest pain, weakness, or speech changes — seek medical help immediately.