Dizzy dramas
Question
For the last two weeks I have been throwing up and feeling really dizzy. Sometimes I even faint. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Answer
Although fainting can be a symptom of something serious, try to remember that this kind of dizziness is very common and may have a very simple explanation.
There are a number of things that can cause you to feel dizzy and faint. Fainting, medically known as vasovagal syncope, seems to occur more frequently in teenagers. It's caused when the heart rate slows and there is a decrease in blood flow to the brain. It can be triggered by any number of things.
One trigger can be low blood sugar levels, which can cause you to faint. You may wish to consider eating foods that release sugar slowly such as whole grain breads and pastas, whole grain cereal and fruit. Diets rich in these foods should help to keep your blood sugar levels constant throughout the day. Foods such as chocolate and crisps will boost your sugar levels temporarily, but then cause them to drop again afterwards, which may be what is causing you to feel dizzy and to faint.
Have you been feeling particularly anxious or stressed recently? Feeling like this can cause you to hyperventilate. This is when your breathing becomes faster and shallower. This can even happen without you realising and can cause you to feel light-headed and even to faint.
Pregnancy can also cause these symptoms. Have you considered whether there is a possibility you may be pregnant? Any of the conditions mentioned above can be accompanied by nausea and throwing up, but these are also particularly common symptoms of pregnancy.
As there are many possible reasons, and it's impossible to diagnose over the internet, the only way to know for sure is to see your local doctor (GP). They will be able to examine you properly and offer the right treatment if needed. There is probably nothing to worry about, but at least going to your doctor will give you some peace of mind.
Updated: 06/06/2011
Question answered by bss
