Dr Devi Prasad

What is vertigo, and why do cases increase during the summer months?

Vertigo is a sense of spinning of self (mainly of your head) or your surroundings.

In summer, people who previously had vertigo may have more frequent episodes or worsening of symptoms. Also, few people may develop vertigo for the first time in summer due to the following reasons: -

• Heat exhaustion, when extreme, can lead to dilated (widened) blood vessels, drop in blood pressure (BP) and then, people may feel dizzy.
• Dehydration, when moderate to severe, can also lead to reduced BP.
• In both above conditions, low BP can affect blood flow to brain, cause light headedness & thus impair body balance.
• Excess sweating leads to loss of important minerals / electrolytes like sodium, chloride and potassium. This can affect function of muscles and nerves, including those necessary to maintain body balance.
• The above causes and also pressure changes related to higher temperature can worsen pre-existing vertigo and trigger episodes of Meniere’s disease due to changes in the composition of fluid in the inner ear.

What symptoms should people watch for, and how can vertigo be treated or prevented?

• So, watch for light headedness, head reeling/ spinning and rest / sit immediately when you feel so.
• Be cautious when working / exercising in summer – avoid direct / longer duration of exposure to sun, especially in high humidity, like in coastal areas.
• Take frequent breaks from outdoor work: stay under shades or often move to air-conditioned areas to prevent heat exhaustion.
• Stay well-hydrated, drink plenty of water & also replenish electrolytes regularly.
• Despite taking the above precautions, if still having vertigo, consult an ENT specialist or a physician.

Stay safe this summer and let vertigo not reduce your work, productivity and quality of life.

(Dr Devi Prasad is the Head and Consultant ENT at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.)