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Dizziness when standing up can be caused by orthostatic hypotension, anemia, dehydration, or inner ear infections. Treatment depends on the cause, and older people are particularly vulnerable. Iron supplements may be prescribed for anemia, but only after a blood test.
The most common causes of dizziness when standing up are orthostatic hypotension, anemia, and dehydration. Orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure when standing. This condition is usually temporary; however, when it becomes chronic, medications are available to raise blood pressure. Additionally, anemia can commonly cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations when a person stands up. This is particularly common in women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and in those recovering from surgery in which large amounts of blood were lost.
Typically, when a person feels dizzy after standing up, they feel weak and lightheaded. Sometimes, this is related to an inner ear infection, which causes dizziness. This sensation causes a spinning sensation and is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
An inner ear infection is usually treated with antibiotics if it is bacterial and antinausea and antihistamine medications. It should be noted that antihistamines can also cause dizziness, but the dizzy feeling is usually relieved. Before treatment begins, people should discuss this treatment option with a doctor to discuss side effects and adverse reactions.
It is important for a healthcare professional to determine the cause of any dizziness. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis, but if prompt treatment is not started, the patient is at risk of falling and sustaining an injury. Older people are especially vulnerable to dizziness when standing up. They are also prone to low blood pressure, anemia and balance deficits. The combination of these medical conditions along with dizziness sets the stage for a potentially dangerous situation. In these patients, it is essential to consume adequate fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration and dizziness.
When anemia is found to be the cause of dizziness when standing up, treatment might include eating foods higher in iron and taking iron supplements. After iron levels normalize, dizziness and other anemia symptoms usually improve. Iron supplements should never be taken unless directed by your doctor, as too much iron can cause liver problems.
Iron supplementation can cause stomach upset, constipation, and black stools. Drinking water regularly can help prevent these side effects. Typically, before iron supplementation begins, your doctor will do a blood test to determine your serum iron levels. If the blood test determines that the iron level is normal, supplementation therapy should not be started.
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