Walking, driving, reading--it's hard to do the things you need to do when you suffer from chronic dizziness. Ear, nose and throat doctors Craig Shapiro, DO, and Sina Joorabchi, DO, of South Florida ENT in Pembroke Pines, treat dizziness and share information about its common causes.

Infections

Chronic dizziness can be a problem if you have a infection of the vestibular nerve in your inner ear. It can also occur if you have a chronic sinus infection.

Medication side effects

Feeling dizzy can be a side effect of some medications, including tranquilizers, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. Often, adjusting the dosage can help alleviate the problem.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Known as BPPV, this condition causes dizziness during a sudden change in head movement. It often occurs if you've had a blow to the head, but can also happen if you sit up or lie down quickly.

Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease occurs when too much fluid accumulates in your inner ear. If you have this disease, it may feel as if your ear is clogged, and you may experience hearing loss and ringing in your ear, in addition to dizziness.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders cause a variety of physical symptoms, including dizziness, upset stomach, pounding heart and headaches.

Problems with blood pressure and circulation

Chronic dizziness can occur if your blood pressure drops too low or your experience a circulation problem, such as a heart attack or arrhythmia.

Migraines

Dizziness is a common symptom during a migraine attack, but some people also feel dizzy when they're not having a migraine.

Low iron or blood sugar levels

When your iron or blood sugar level drops too low, chronic dizziness can be a symptom. If low iron is the problem, you may also experience weakness and fatigue, while sweating and anxiety may occur if your blood sugar is low.

Because chronic dizziness can be a sign of a serious condition or disorder, it's important to determine the cause as soon as possible. If dizziness affects the quality of your life, Drs. Shapiro and Joorabchi, your Pembroke Pines ear, nose and throat specialists at South Florida ENT, can help. Make an appointment with them by calling (954)438-7171.