Experiencing Tinnitus and Sudden Dizziness
I’m 25 years old and do not take any medication, occasionally use a vape, drink alcohol very infrequently, and don’t use any drugs. I've been dealing with anxiety, yet the symptoms I'm experiencing are quite unusual. These episodes have happened previously, but they've returned in the last few days. I'm having brief but sudden spells of dizziness that can last only a few seconds, occurring intermittently throughout the day. Additionally, I experience a persistent ringing in both ears, which doesn't always happen simultaneously. Sometimes, as I’m walking, it feels as though the ground underneath me is unstable like water. The first instance of this sensation occurred a few years back right after I got off an elevator. Recently, it seemed to become more pronounced after using an escalator, and I even felt it at home hours later. I’m uncertain whether this is anxiety-related or if there's another underlying issue. Should I consider visiting a doctor about this?
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 5:10:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
The symptoms you're experiencing—tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and intermittent dizziness—are understandably concerning. While these can sometimes be linked to anxiety, they can also arise from other factors. It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and their frequency or intensity.
Explanation
Tinnitus can stem from various causes, including noise exposure, ear infections, or issues with the inner ear. Dizziness, particularly the sensation of instability, may be related to vestibular issues (balance-related functions) or could potentially be linked to your anxiety. Since you've experienced these symptoms intermittently over several years, it may be worth exploring further.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Start tracking when these symptoms occur, including any activities beforehand (like using an escalator). Note the duration, frequency, and intensity of your dizziness and tinnitus. This will help identify any patterns and aid in discussions with a healthcare professional.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are properly hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to dizziness and may worsen your symptoms. Increase your water intake, especially if you’ve been in warm environments or exercising.
-
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can contribute to anxiety and may exacerbate tinnitus or dizziness. Monitor your consumption and see if reducing these helps alleviate your symptoms.
-
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since you mentioned anxiety, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise like yoga, which can help with both anxiety and physical symptoms.
-
Remove Irritants: If you notice that certain environments or substances trigger your symptoms (like using your vape), it’s best to minimize exposure.
-
Plan a Visit to a Healthcare Professional: Given that your symptoms are recurring and potentially disruptive, it's advisable to see a doctor. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation to rule out any significant underlying conditions and discuss possible treatment options.
Taking these initial steps can be helpful in managing your symptoms and gathering information for a medical professional if needed. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and addressing these concerns is an important part of ensuring your well-being.
Related Questions
Struggles with Incomplete Bowel Movements
As a 29-year-old American man, I maintain an average build and try to eat a fairly healthy diet, though my activity level could use some improvement. I don’t have any chronic illnesses, but I do deal with anxiety from time to time. Lately, I’ve been facing a frustrating issue during bowel movements. I often feel as though I’ve completed the process, only to discover more stool during the wiping stage. The texture tends to be somewhat loose and sticky, and I frequently notice bright red marks on the toilet paper. Although I resist the urge to push or strain, I sometimes find myself waiting up to 20 minutes, uncertain if I can safely leave the bathroom without an unexpected incident. I recently underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed only one benign polyp, much to my relief. Initially, my primary care physician thought I might have an internal hemorrhoid. In an effort to alleviate my symptoms, I've tried incorporating more fiber into my diet, taking supplements, using laxatives, drinking more water, and even utilizing a “squatty potty” to adjust my posture during bowel movements. Despite these efforts, I continue to experience the nagging sensation of incomplete evacuation while on the toilet, which leads to lengthy stays in the bathroom. While I’m not experiencing any prolonged bleeding or pain, the discomfort and embarrassment, particularly in a workplace setting, have been challenging. This week, I have appointments scheduled with both my primary care physician and the general surgeon who performed my colonoscopy. Has anyone else endured similar symptoms? If so, what was determined to be the cause—hemorrhoids, pelvic floor dysfunction, or something else entirely? Additionally, any tips that have proven effective would be greatly appreciated!
What Steps Should I Take for My Possible Subcutaneous Inflammation?
I’m a 38-year-old woman, standing at 5'2" and weighing 110 pounds. After recently resuming birth control, I noticed a strange development—a soft, approximately 3 cm lump beneath my armpit. Within a week of its appearance, I experienced significant discomfort in that area. Massage only exacerbated the issue, bringing along flu-like symptoms—chills, extreme fatigue, and overall malaise. As time passed, the pain radiated down my arm, into my abdomen, and even up my neck. It was quite severe. I also observed that this side of my body felt slightly swollen, coupled with swollen lymph nodes and a persistent itch. Eventually, I began to suffer from nerve pain and joint/muscle aches, along with a flare-up of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The combination of illness and pain was overwhelming. Following two months of these symptoms, I received steroids, which offered significant relief; however, the lump remains, along with milder pain, itching, and swollen lymph nodes. An MRI indicated a benign lipoma, yet it noted that the skin above this area is thickened and swollen. Furthermore, an ultrasound identified a 1.9 cm lymph node beneath my chin that has persisted for several months. Blood tests have come back normal, including all inflammatory markers. What steps should I consider? I find this situation peculiar, yet my healthcare providers seem largely dismissive of my concerns.
Understanding Lipomas
I’m a 26-year-old male who has discovered the presence of 7 to 8 lipomas on my body. I had them examined during my recent visit to the hospital, and the results confirmed that they are simply clusters of fat cells. An interesting observation I made was linked to my drinking habits; I used to drink alcohol occasionally and noticed that every time I indulged, new lipomas seemed to appear within a few days. Initially, I thought it was just a coincidence, but upon further reflection and experimentation, I realized there was a pattern to this occurrence. Now, my primary concern is whether these lipomas are harmless if they remain in my body indefinitely, or should I consider having them surgically removed? Additionally, I’m curious about the potential risk of them developing into cancerous growths. On a positive note, I have made the decision to quit alcohol altogether; it’s been over a year since my last drink. Any advice or insights on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Dealing with Elevated Liver Functions and Biliary Duct Issues: Post-Hospitalization Updates
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out to gather insights and information for my situation moving forward. I’m a 36-year-old woman, weighing 104 lbs and standing at 5’1”. Here’s a rundown of my medications: Adderall 20 mg daily, Lamotrigine 100 mg daily, gabapentin 600 mg three times a day, and Klonopin 1 mg at bedtime as needed. I also use Fioricet for migraines occasionally, but I take it infrequently. My medical history includes ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, migraines, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As for my surgical background, I underwent a hysterectomy along with oophorectomy ten years ago, which was quite a complicated ordeal. The initial surgery was poorly executed, resulting in something (I believe my bowel) being punctured, leading to a severe infection and sepsis. This required emergency surgery, but several procedures later, I lost my ovaries due to persistent cysts that wouldn’t resolve. I also had my gallbladder removed in 2017 and an appendectomy around the same time. Recently, about five days ago, I experienced sudden pain beneath my right ribcage, reminiscent of the discomfort I felt before my gallbladder surgery. Being in nursing school means I lack the time for emergency visits, so I attempted to manage it on my own. Ultimately, I decided to go to the ER, where tests revealed elevated liver function tests (LFTs)—specifically, AST at 313, ALP at 149, and ALT at 179. A CT scan indicated that my duct measurements were dilated at 9.5mm. I was admitted, and the following day underwent an MRCP, which showed duct measurements were actually normal at 6mm, but my liver was noted as enlarged or possibly inflamed—I'm not clear on that detail. My doctor opted to postpone an ERCP until further testing could be completed. I was discharged after a couple of days once my pain subsided, I was able to eat, and my LFTs returned to nearly normal. In reviewing my discharge documents, I see that my gastroenterologist requested hepatitis panels and some autoimmunity tests, and I need to have lab work done weekly for a month to monitor my liver function. Presently, while the pain has improved, I’m left with a persistent dull ache. I can’t help but wonder what might have triggered this issue? Any insights would be appreciated. I plan to contact my gastroenterologist tomorrow to schedule a follow-up appointment and discuss my autoimmune test results. Just to clarify, I do not consume alcohol, and I vape exclusively nicotine—no other substances. In the past, I was a heavier drinker and had used opioids but have been sober for the last five years. I wasn’t dependent on those substances, but I did misuse them and had to make the decision to quit for my well-being. Thanks for reading this lengthy update. I appreciate any thoughts or advice you may have as I navigate this situation!
Understanding ENT Complications from Opioid-Related Constipation
20M / 140 lbs / 5'11 ft Chronic Pain Sufferer, 45 MG Oxycodone BID Prescribed Over the course of the last 16 months, I've become increasingly aware of the distressing sensations in my ears and nasal passages. When I experience significant constipation due to opioid use, my nasal breathing is severely hampered, making it difficult to inhale comfortably. Additionally, I find myself continuously swallowing—similar to the way one does on an airplane—to alleviate the pressure in my ears. This popping sensation never seems to subside; I am caught in a cycle of frequent swallowing in a futile attempt to normalize the pressure in my ears. I've observed that after taking MiraLax and successfully clearing my bowel, I regain some ability to breathe through my nose, offering a hint of relief. Unfortunately, the ear popping remains persistent, and I still cannot achieve complete nasal breathing. This issue has impacted my quality of life significantly, as I often resort to mouth breathing, which is genuinely distressing. Moreover, I am beginning to experience symptoms akin to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), causing undigested food to return to my throat. I suspect that the opioids are hindering normal esophageal function, contributing to this discomfort. I worry that the opioid-induced constipation might be leading to serious health concerns. I recognize that my choices—daily fast-food consumption and neglecting laxatives or supplements—have played a major role in this situation, resulting in frequent difficulty with bowel movements. Additionally, I've noticed a constant flow of mucus from my nose. When there are long gaps between my opioid doses, mucus production seems to increase. Yet when my receptors are saturated, the mucus tends to remain trapped and can only be expelled through crying, exercise, or when I approach withdrawal. I suspect that the combination of constipation, GERD symptoms, and ear pressure is obstructing my nasal passages. I've also started to see an increase in nasal congestion due to persistent mucus formation; every day feels like I'm dealing with a prolonged sinus infection. I'm curious whether these experiences are directly linked to my constipation or if there are other underlying causes contributing to these issues. While needing a colonoscopy at the age of 20 might seem excessive, I understand that my own lifestyle choices have led me to this point.