A GP has warned people against self-medicating when experiencing dizziness, urging them to see their doctor instead. Dr Raj Arora, a GP and TV doctor, cautioned that while over-the-counter remedies might seem like a quick fix, they can delay diagnosis of potentially serious underlying conditions.
Dr Arora explained that dizziness can be caused by a range of issues, from minor ailments like vertigo or colds to life-threatening problems such as stroke, heart attack, or neurological conditions. 'Make sure you're seeing your GP, because lots of different things can cause dizzy spells. Some of them can be more stressful and worrying and serious, like a stroke, heart attack, neurological issues,' she said.
She stressed the importance of identifying the root cause rather than masking symptoms. In a social media post, Dr Arora wrote: 'Dizziness can come from so many different causes: blood pressure, inner ear issues, anaemia, hormones, even heart-related problems. Masking it without knowing the cause can delay the help you actually need.'
The NHS advises that dizziness often goes away on its own or after treating an underlying condition. However, if you experience recurring or severe dizzy spells, it recommends seeing a GP. Common causes include a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, inner ear problems, labyrinthitis after a cold or flu, or side effects from medication.
Dr Arora urged people not to self-diagnose and to 'get answers' instead, emphasising that maintaining good health requires proper medical advice.
