Experiencing Dizziness and Fainting?
I find myself struggling to categorize what I’ve been experiencing. At 39 years old, I carry a diagnosis of allergies, asthma triggered by allergies, GERD, complex PTSD, and migraines. I'm also in the perimenopausal phase. Additionally, I suspect I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and possibly vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), since heart-related issues are prevalent in my family. I plan to consult with a cardiologist soon for further evaluation. My medication regimen includes daily doses of Zyrtec, Singulair at 10mg, some inhalers that go mostly unused, famotidine, and escitalopram at 50mg. Recently, I’ve stopped taking propranolol for my migraines and began supplementing with Vitamin D and DHEA at 10mg. Now, on to the matter at hand. Since altering my diet as per my doctor’s guidance—stemming from a systemic yeast infection identified during an exam—I've been following a low-sugar diet, minimizing carbohydrates, alcohol, and added sugars. This significant change has coincided with the onset of dizzy spells and fainting episodes. I have always experienced low blood pressure; however, it appears to have declined even further lately—my readings in recent appointments have dipped to the 80s over 50s. Oddly enough, I don’t feel unwell during these readings, though fatigue is often present. Lately, I’ve encountered difficulties while standing at work. If I rise too quickly, I momentarily lose my vision and feel lightheaded, needing to steady myself until it passes. This troubling sensation has become more frequent; even stretching while seated can provoke the same reaction without any standing involved. Just today, I’ve had this happen twice, although some days seem better than others. I attempted to increase my water intake, yet that led to intense salt cravings. Raising my salt consumption provided some relief for a few days. Reflecting back over a decade, I recall being prescribed an inhaler that included side effects indicating the potential exacerbation of fainting spells, specifically for individuals with adrenal gland disorders. I did not investigate it at that time and simply ceased using the inhaler. Is this a possibility in my current situation? What steps should I take moving forward? Should I be concerned enough to seek immediate assistance, or am I perhaps overreacting?
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 4:31:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experiences of dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness are concerning, especially given your history of low blood pressure and other health conditions. Let's break this down to understand your situation better and outline the next steps.
Key Points:
- Dizziness and Fainting: These symptoms can arise from various factors such as low blood pressure, dehydration, dietary changes, or medication side effects.
- Recent Dietary Changes: Your low-sugar diet may have inadvertently affected your overall energy levels and salt balance, contributing to your symptoms.
- Plan for Monitoring and Adjustment: Tracking your symptoms and making minor adjustments can help identify effective solutions.
Explanation:
You're experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness when standing (orthostatic hypotension), which is common in individuals with low blood pressure. When you stand up quickly, gravity pulls blood into your legs, and if your body doesn’t adjust quickly enough to maintain blood flow to your brain, you may experience dizziness or faintness.
Your dietary changes could also play a role. A low-sugar diet might result in decreased carbohydrate intake, which can affect your energy levels if not balanced properly. Additionally, since you've found that increasing salt helps, your body might be signaling a need for more sodium, especially considering your past issues with low blood pressure.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when your dizziness occurs, what you ate, your salt intake, and any activities preceding the symptoms. This can help pinpoint triggers and patterns.
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Hydration: Continue to drink adequate water, but consider incorporating electrolyte-rich fluids (like coconut water or electrolyte solutions) to help balance sodium levels naturally.
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Gradual Position Changes: When moving from sitting to standing, do so slowly. This helps your body adapt and can prevent sudden dizziness. You might also find it helpful to perform calf raises or to flex your leg muscles before standing.
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Monitor Sodium Intake: Since increasing salt intake helped, consult with your doctor about an appropriate level of salt for your diet, especially considering your blood pressure readings and overall health.
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Watch for Severe Symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms like fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Since you’re already planning to see a cardiologist, ensure to discuss these symptoms with them.
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Evaluate Medication Side Effects: Mention to your doctor any potential concerns around prior medications that might exacerbate dizziness, especially noting your history with inhalers and any endocrine considerations.
Conclusion:
While your symptoms are concerning and warrant careful observation, it's essential to tackle them with a structured approach and proactive self-care. Given your comprehensive health background, you’re not overreacting in seeking professional input, but immediate assistance might not be necessary unless your symptoms worsen significantly. Keep track of your health and continue to communicate openly with your healthcare providers to determine the best strategies moving forward.
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