Light headedness, nausea and fatigue: what to know

Dehydration can follow sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or not drinking enough, and may cause dizziness, nausea, dark urine, and reduced energy. COVID-19 and other illnesses can also combine tiredness with stomach upset. Anaemia may reduce oxygen delivery and leave you weak or light headed.

Coeliac disease can interfere with nutrient absorption. Chronic kidney disease may cause persistent tiredness and nausea, while burnout can affect energy, sleep, and concentration. Alcohol use disorder can contribute through poor nutrition, withdrawal, or dehydration. These are possibilities, not a diagnosis based on symptoms alone.

Sit or lie down when light headed and rise slowly. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down; take small, frequent amounts when nausea is present. Choose simple foods as tolerated and avoid alcohol until you feel well.

Book an appointment if symptoms last, keep returning, interfere with daily activities, or follow a change in diet or alcohol use. Keep a record of fluid intake, urine changes, meals, sleep, fever, weight change, and any vomiting or diarrhoea.

Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or signs of a serious infection. Emergency assessment is also needed for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or new one-sided weakness.

Ask whether you need a blood count, kidney assessment, infection testing, or checks for nutritional deficiency. Ask how to replace fluids safely and which changes in urine, vomiting, or alertness should trigger urgent care.