Dizziness is the most common condition in the elderly that causes them to see a doctor regularly.
Symptoms are often identified as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, falling, etc. Most of them describe their condition with a mixture of symptoms that makes it difficult to analyze.
Dizziness is usually not life-threatening unless it increases the risk of falling. But that is exactly what happens in the elderly, just standing in the kitchen and looking up at an object on a high shelf can cause a dangerous situation for the elderly.
The reason is that the stabilization mechanism of adults no longer works as well as when they were young, so adults still have attacks, still feel severe dizziness, but cannot stand for a few seconds when leaning.
So you need to pay attention to the symptoms that can cause dizziness in older people in your family so that you can intervene early and improve the quality of life.
Although symptoms can vary, older adults typically experience the following common symptoms of dizziness:
- Spinning sensation: One of the causes of dizziness in older adults is a problem with blood circulation, which can sometimes lead to a spinning sensation. The individual may feel as though they or their surroundings are spinning or moving when in fact they are standing still.
- Balance and instability: Older adults with dizziness may have difficulty maintaining their balance, leading to a higher risk of falling. Unfortunately, falls due to loss of balance are one of the most common injuries in older adults that can lead to serious injury.
- Nausea and vomiting: The intense feeling of dizziness during a vertigo attack can cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Sweating and palpitations: Dizziness can trigger a physiological stress response, manifested as increased sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
What treatments help seniors?
Addressing the root cause of dizziness is important in developing effective treatment plans for seniors
However, there are a number of measures you can try to prevent and control dizziness at home in seniors, including:
- Increase fluid intake: One of the main causes of dizziness is dehydration, which is the loss of fluid. Therefore, replacing lost fluids by drinking water can help reduce dizziness.
- Ginger: Ginger is widely known for its anti-nausea properties, which can help reduce nausea as well as dizziness.
- Vitamins C, E, and D: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can help reduce symptoms of dizziness, especially lightheadedness; Vitamin E has a positive effect on blood vessel health, consuming foods rich in vitamin E such as hazelnuts, kiwis and spinach can help get rid of dizziness. Also, vitamin D, like vitamin C and vitamin E, can be effective in combating dizziness, especially dizziness associated with vertigo.
- Eat a diet rich in iron: Iron deficiency can cause many health problems, especially anemia. As a result, symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and fatigue can occur. Foods rich in iron such as red and white meat, beans and green leafy vegetables can help relieve dizziness.
- Epley’s maneuver: One of the most important causes of dizziness is the displacement of calcium crystals in the area responsible for balance in the ear for many reasons. The Epley’s maneuver, which involves lying on your back in bed, tilting your head at a 45-degree angle to the right or left and waiting for a while, can help position the crystals in the right place. However, it is important to consult a medical professional before performing movements such as the Epley maneuver.
- Healthy diet: Dizziness may be more common in people with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Limiting your intake of foods that are too salty or too sugary may help reduce dizziness.
