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What Causes Constant Dizziness And Slight Nausea While Recovering From Flu?
Question: been dizzy for about 14 hours. just recovering from flu. not taking any medication. slight nausea. room is spinning slightly. been hydrating w water and lemon. 57 years old. no prior history of vertigo. no alcohol intake for 36 hours. what is wrong, how long will it last, what else can I do?
Brief Answer:
BPPV brought on inflammed ear and sinuses during a flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Sorry that you are going through this.
A flu/cold can inflame your nose, throat, ears and sinuses. Blowing your nose or constant sniffling can increase the ear pressure and result in your symptoms.
You seem to have described BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) which could have been brought on by the flu
I would :
- clinically examine you and elicit certain expected reflexes to confirm BPPV.
- prescribe medications to sedate your inner ear until it recovers from the inflammation.
- check for a concurrent ear, sinusitis and treat with antibiotics and anti inflammatory agents as needed
I recommend :
-steam inhalation 3-4 times a day
-long warm baths to clear your sinuses and nose or lodged secretions
-blowing gently - one nostril at a time. Use plain saline nasal drops to help loosen secretions.
- continue adequate Hydration and rest.
-slow and gradual changes in position (from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing).
-avoid sudden changes in head position (like bending or turning). This triggers BPPV.
If this doesn't help in a day or if it gets worse, see an ENT (Ear, nose, throat specialist - otorhinolaryngologist) or your physician. Don't drive.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
I'd appreciate it if you could let me know how you feel later today /tomorrow.
Wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
BPPV brought on inflammed ear and sinuses during a flu
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Sorry that you are going through this.
A flu/cold can inflame your nose, throat, ears and sinuses. Blowing your nose or constant sniffling can increase the ear pressure and result in your symptoms.
You seem to have described BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) which could have been brought on by the flu
I would :
- clinically examine you and elicit certain expected reflexes to confirm BPPV.
- prescribe medications to sedate your inner ear until it recovers from the inflammation.
- check for a concurrent ear, sinusitis and treat with antibiotics and anti inflammatory agents as needed
I recommend :
-steam inhalation 3-4 times a day
-long warm baths to clear your sinuses and nose or lodged secretions
-blowing gently - one nostril at a time. Use plain saline nasal drops to help loosen secretions.
- continue adequate Hydration and rest.
-slow and gradual changes in position (from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing).
-avoid sudden changes in head position (like bending or turning). This triggers BPPV.
If this doesn't help in a day or if it gets worse, see an ENT (Ear, nose, throat specialist - otorhinolaryngologist) or your physician. Don't drive.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
I'd appreciate it if you could let me know how you feel later today /tomorrow.
Wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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