Dizziness is a condition that makes you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or off-balance, stemming from various sources. It may result from problems in the inner ear, disturbances in the vestibular system, or problems with blood circulation. Furthermore, dizziness can arise due to dehydration, medication side effects, anxiety, or as a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
On the other hand, vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth and sometimes the nose. It is typically triggered by the activation of the vomiting center in the brainstem in response to various stimuli.
Please continue reading to explore what causes dizziness and vomiting, their symptoms, types, how they are treated, and when to see the doctor.
Causes of Dizziness and Vomiting
Dizziness and vomiting can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms often occur together and may indicate an underlying health issue.
Here are some common causes of dizziness and vomiting:
- Inner Ear Problems: The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance in the body. Inflammation or other problems in the inner ear can cause symptoms of vomiting and dizziness.
- Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake dehydrates the body, causing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
- Medications: Certain medications, especially those that impact the central nervous system or have vestibular side effects, can cause dizziness and vomiting.
- Anxiety Disorders: Intense anxiety or panic attacks can induce symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and nausea.
- Migraines: Migraines are characterized by vertigo, dizziness, and occasional vomiting. They occur before, during, or after the headache phase and affect 1 out of every 6 Americans.
Other common causes of vomiting and dizziness may include:
- Motion sickness
- Low blood sugar
- Breathing in harmful chemicals
- Caffeine overdose
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers
- SARC (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
Symptoms of Dizziness and Vomiting
Experiencing episodes of dizziness and vomiting can be distressing, with a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life, including:
- An uneasy feeling in your stomach, often wanting to vomit.
- Dizziness striking with sweating
- A false sensation of motion or spinning
- Light-headedness or faint
- Loss of balance
- A feeling of floating or heavy-headedness
- Diarrhea
Types of Dizziness
Here's a breakdown of some of the common types of dizziness:
- Vertigo: This is the most common type of dizziness, causing a strong illusion of spinning or movement, which can be triggered by inner ear inflammation or problems with the brainstem, which controls balance.
- Lightheadedness: This is often described as feeling lightheaded, woozy, or spacey. Low blood sugar, dehydration, or standing up too quickly can induce these symptoms.
- Disequilibrium: This dizziness makes you feel off-balance, like the room tilts or you're walking on an unsteady surface. These may arise due to inner ear and vision problems or certain medications.
Types of Vomiting
Vomiting can vary in its presentation and frequency, often categorized into different types:
- Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting: Acute Vomiting refers to sudden and short-lived episodes of vomiting, often caused by factors such as viral infections, food poisoning, or reactions to medications.
- Chronic Vomiting: It involves recurrent or persistent episodes, typically lasting for weeks or months, and can indicate underlying medical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, or psychological factors.
- Projectile Vomiting: Projectile vomiting, marked by forcefully expelling stomach contents through the mouth, can result from gastrointestinal blockages, increased intracranial pressure, or infant pyloric stenosis.
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS): A chronic disorder characterized by recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal pain. The exact cause is unknown, but it's believed to involve a dysfunction in the nervous system or gut hormones.
Dizziness and Vomiting Treatment
The treatment for dizziness and vomiting depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration, especially during vomiting. Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids can be recommended.
- Medications: Antiemetics and antihistamines specifically target dizziness and vomiting, helping to calm the stomach and reduce the urge to vomit.
- Dietary Changes: Modifying diet or avoiding triggering foods that exacerbate symptoms can be beneficial, especially in conditions like acid reflux or cyclic vomiting syndrome.
- Physical Therapy: Therapy like vestibular rehabilitation may help improve balance and reduce dizziness symptoms through specialized exercises.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions: Managing specific medical conditions that cause dizziness and vomiting is essential.
When to See a Doctor?
Seeking medical assistance for dizziness and vomiting is advisable if:
- Vomiting is associated with fever
- Intense vomiting with the inability to retain any food
- Vomiting blood
- Changes in eyesight or hearing
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness
- Migraine headache getting worse
Find Fast and Reliable Relief from Dizziness and Vomiting at MI Express Urgent Care
Are you experiencing sudden dizziness and vomiting? At MI Express Urgent Care, we diagnose and treat these symptoms. Our team of experts is committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses the underlying cause. We are always ready to provide immediate attention and assistance.
Contact us today to receive the specialized care you deserve and regain your optimal well-being.
