Dizzy, light-headed and tired

The sensation may be spinning, feeling faint, or being unsteady, and each pattern gives different clues. Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion can reduce your tolerance for standing or activity. A Common Cold, Chronic Sinusitis, Allergic Rhinitis or COVID-19 may leave you tired while illness affects balance or concentration. Generalised Anxiety Disorder can produce light-headedness during prolonged worry or rapid breathing. Dengue Fever is another illness to consider when fever, strong aches or a rash accompany fatigue.

These symptoms do not point to one condition on their own. Consider sleep, recent illness, fluid intake, meals, new medicines and whether symptoms appear after standing.

Pause and sit or lie down when symptoms start. Drink steadily, eat regular light meals, and avoid alcohol until you feel well. Stand in stages and keep a note of triggers, duration and associated symptoms. If congestion is present, gentle rest and fluids may help, but persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than self-treated indefinitely.

Get urgent help for fainting, new weakness on one side, trouble speaking, severe headache, chest pain, breathing difficulty, confusion or inability to walk safely. Seek prompt assessment for high fever with worsening illness, a spreading rash, repeated vomiting, or dizziness that is persistent or recurrent.

Could a medicine, blood-pressure change, infection or dehydration explain the dizziness? Should I check anything at home? What duration or symptom change means I should return urgently?