What is lightheadedness and nausea?
Lightheadedness is a feeling of faintness, dizziness, or unsteadiness. It is often accompanied by nausea, sweating, and a rapid pulse. Lightheadedness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Blood pressure problems: Low blood pressure (hypotension) or high blood pressure (hypertension) can both cause lightheadedness.
* Heart problems: Heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart valve problems, and heart failure can all lead to lightheadedness.
* Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's cells. Anemia can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, and weakness.
* Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough fluids. Dehydration can cause lightheadedness, thirst, and dry mouth.
* Medications: Certain medications, such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, and antidepressants, can cause lightheadedness as a side effect.
* Alcohol and drug use: Alcohol and drug use can both lead to lightheadedness.
Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or sickness in the stomach. It is often accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* Food poisoning: Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food. Food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
* Stomach flu: The stomach flu is a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach flu can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
* Motion sickness: Motion sickness is a condition that occurs when the body is subjected to repeated motion, such as during travel by car, boat, or plane. Motion sickness can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
* Pregnancy: Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy. Morning sickness typically occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and resolves by the end of the fourth month.
* Medications: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and pain relievers, can cause nausea as a side effect.
If you are experiencing lightheadedness or nausea, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive treatment.