15% off €25

Code:DEAL
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsBetterYouNew NordicBioglanNatures AidWild NutritionApplied NutritionEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBetter than Half PriceGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreePalm Oil FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomCollagenAloe VeraCastor OilTea TreeVitamin EMaitake MushroomNew inFood & DrinkVegan Food & DrinkDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaNakdPukkaHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorBio & MeGrenadePerfectTedEgmont HoneyEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeMix & Match 2 For €6Better than Half PriceOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreePeanut FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomChaga MushroomNew inSports NutritionProteinShop all ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionMyproteinUSNGrenadeNakdTriActiveSiSEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceMix & Match 2 For €72Buy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSoya FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreePalm Oil FreeAlcohol FreeVitamin ENew inBeautyNew inCetaphilAveenoDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaTrilogyEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeSoya FreeVitamin CTea TreeLavenderAloe VeraHyaluronic AcidRosehipRosemaryVitamin ESalicylic AcidSeaweedAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionGrenadeHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNEmilyEat WaterKalloNew NordicEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceMix & Match 2 For €72Buy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inNew InTrendingEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletMix & Match 2 For €6Mix & Match 2 For €72Better than Half PriceShop all Health & WellnessWomen's HealthMen's HealthImmunityHair & Skin HealthJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureNaturtintWeledaApplied NutritionQ+AVitabioticsPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletMix & Match 2 For €72Better than Half PriceGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CLavenderTea TreeAloe VeraHyaluronic AcidRosehipApple Cider VinegarVitamin ESeaweedLion's Mane MushroomNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

7 causes of dizziness

what causes dizziness
We share the most common causes of dizziness. From taking new medication to vertigo & low blood pressure, find out why you are feeling dizzy.
There are few things that can make you feel as unwell as quickly as sudden dizziness. That disarming feeling of lightheadedness, which leaves you feeling giddy, faint, or even like the world is spinning around you. When you start feeling dizzy, it can feel as though it might never end, but for most people, moving slowly, lying down and having a drink of water should help it pass.1 However, if you are getting regular dizzy spells, it could be symptomatic of something more serious. Find out more about some of the most common ailments behind what causes lightheadedness.

What causes dizziness?

The NHS has two categories of dizziness:
  • Dizziness while you are ill with something else
  • Dizziness for no obvious reason
Within those, there are as number of different reasons behind why you might be feeling dizzy.

1. Dizziness due to illness

The NHS recommends ruling out other illnesses or conditions that have dizziness as one of their side effects. These conditions include:
  • Migraines
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Dehydration or heat exhaustion
  • Diabetes or low blood sugar levels
  • Anaemia
  • Motion sickness2
If you are not experiencing any of the above, I.e. there is no obvious reason for your dizziness, it could be due to one of the following reasons.

2. New medication

Dizziness is a very common side effect of many long-term medications.3 Medications can take a while to normalise in the body as everyone metabolises them slightly differently. And one of the most common side effects that you will see on many drugs’ advisory leaflets is dizziness. If you have started a new medication recently, let your doctor know if you are experiencing any side effects that are stopping you getting on with your life. Especially if you have been taking the medication for a while and find the dizziness is continuing.

3. Ear infections and labyrinthitis

One very common type of ear infection is labyrinthitis. It is often called vestibular neuritis. It can make you dizzy as it affects the inner ear, which is in charge of your balance. If you have some hearing loss at the same time as dizziness, labyrinthitis is likely to be the cause. The symptoms should go away after a few days as the infection clears, although your balance could be affected for a few weeks. It is a viral infection, so antibiotics will not help, but see your GP if the symptoms get worse.4

4. Vertigo

Less of an illness in its own right, vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes the world feel like it is spinning. It usually goes away on its own, but taking antihistamines might help in the short term. If your vertigo does not go away, it could be a symptom of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).5 Also known as Ménière's disease, BPPV attacks can last hours to days and can be very distressing.6

5. Low blood pressure

If you get dizzy when you stand up suddenly, or after exercise, hypotension, also known as could be the cause. If the lightheadedness comes on specifically after you change position (i.e. getting up from a chair or bed), you might be experiencing postural hypotension. New medications, pregnancy or diabetes could be one of the underlying causes of postural hypotension. If you want to rule out low blood pressure, which is considered to be anything less than 90/60mmHg, there are machines in most pharmacies and GP waiting rooms.7 Alternatively, you can buy one for use at home.

6. Atherosclerosis

Also known as arteriosclerosis, this condition happens when you have clogged arteries from a buildup of fatty substances over the years. It can cause dizziness, but more seriously, also stroke and heart attacks. So if you are getting dizzy and know you have a family history of either of these conditions, or if you smoke, drink alcohol or eat a lot of fatty foods, it is best to go to your GP to get a checkup as soon as possible.8

7. Tinnitus

Tinnitus refers to a sound in the ears that does not come from an outside source. It could be a ringing, hissing or buzzing. Tinnitus can make sufferers feel dizzy and anxious. If tinnitus is becoming a problem for you, i.e. if you hear the sound most of the time, if it is affecting your sleep or if it is getting worse, see your doctor.9 Last updated: 16 October 2020 Sourceshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dizziness/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dizziness/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dizziness/ 4 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/labyrinthitis/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vertigo/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menieres-disease/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-blood-pressure-hypotension/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atherosclerosishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tinnitus/

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.