'Horrible' symptom people should never ignore as BBC doctor issues alert

'Horrible' symptom people should never ignore as BBC doctor issues alert Morning Live's Dr Punam said it is common for many treatable conditions Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan urged people not to delay getting their dizziness examined, particularly if it's recurring. Dizziness is a symptom that the BBC health expert describes as something that can "feel horrible". It manifests in various ways, from feeling faint or lightheaded to sensing as though the room is spinning around you. Identifying the specific type of dizziness people are experiencing can significantly help narrow down the underlying problem. Dr Punam explained that experiencing dizziness becomes increasingly common with age. However, she added: "That doesn't mean we should be dismissing it". The practising GP went on to say: "If it is persistent, it's coming back, and it's impacting your quality of life, it's important to get it checked out." She emphasises that "language is important," as dizziness tends to be categorised into distinct sensations rather than treated as a catch-all term. Being able to identify precisely what kind of dizzy sensation you're experiencing before a doctor's appointment can help eliminate potential issues and focus on the exact problem, reports the Express. What could different dizzy feelings mean? Dr Punam informed Morning Live viewers that specific types of dizziness can signal certain conditions, and being precise with doctors can genuinely help obtain an accurate diagnosis. - Feeling lightheaded (like you're going to faint): Could be dehydration, heat exhaustion, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar. - Feeling off balance (like the room is spinning): Suggestive of vertigo. Occasionally, there is no clear cause. The NHS states people may feel dizzy due to sudden drops in blood pressure, inner-ear problems or as a side effect of new medication. Dizziness can also be associated with other conditions, such as an ear infection or migraine. Issues including stress, anxiety, low blood sugar and iron deficiency anaemia may also bring on these sensations - though they typically subside once treated. Dr Punam also said that those approaching perimenopause might experience dizziness due to hormonal fluctuations. For tailored advice, consult your GP, who can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms. Because dizziness is such a broad term, doctors may want to be as thorough as Dr Punam and complete a range of top-to-toe tests to identify what is triggering the symptoms. This might include checking blood pressure and sugar levels, assessing balance and coordination or ordering blood tests. How to manage dizziness without seeing a doctor: According to the NHS website, feelings of dizziness "usually go away on their own" if you: - Lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly - Move slowly and carefully - Get plenty of rest - Drink plenty of fluids, especially water - Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs The health service advises that people should not do anything that could prove dangerous while feeling dizzy, such as driving, climbing a ladder, or using heavy machinery. See a GP if your dizziness will not go away or keeps coming back.