How to prevent dizziness or fainting?

Dizzy spells and feeling faint are common problems. Causes include low blood sugar, drinking too much alcohol, or simply getting up too quickly .Feeling faint may also be due to emotional shock or panic, or may occur in pregnancy. An occasional attack is rarely a cause for concern, but sometimes the problem is due to an underlying condition or to certain drugs.

See your doctor first

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

* You are taking a prescribed medicine that may be causing the problem, such as drugs for high blood pressure or tranquillizers.

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.

Helping blood flow
Lean forward and put your head down to improve the blood flow to your brain.

PREVENTION
Avoiding dizzy spells Combine these steps with any treatment from your doctor to help prevent further attacks.

* Avoid hot and stuffy environments. Have a window open, or go out into fresh air from time to time.

* Don’t get up suddenly after lying down or sitting.

* Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.

* Eat regularly. Have healthy snacks, such as fruit, between meals to keep your
blood sugar level steady.

* Try to avoid straining on the toilet, as 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.

What you can do yourself
There are several things you can do to help you get over a faint or dizzy spell quickly.

* Keep your head down on your knees or your feet raised and try to control your breathing

* If it has been several hours since you last ate, eat or drink a sugary snack (not something containing artificial sweeteners).

* Don’t drink caffeinated drinks such as coffee ,tea, or cola, or alcohol, and don’t smoke, as all of these can make your symptoms worse.

* Don’t try to drive or operate machinery until you are completely recovered.