Vertigo can be a symptom of various conditions, and swimming without the proper care can lead to problems with the inner ear, which is responsible for the human balance. This can result in a spinning sensation, commonly known as vertigo. Vertigo may also result from other factors, such as poor lighting in swimming pools or improper inner ear care.
Swimming
If you have vertigo, you may find swimming difficult. You may be too shaky to open your eyes, or your vertigo might be so intense that you can’t stay still. In this case, you should not swim until your vertigo is gone. Fortunately, there are treatments for vertigo.
Treatments
Treatments for swimming with vertigo include addressing the underlying cause and seeking medical attention when necessary. There are several types of dizziness, some of which are treatable, and some require medical attention. For instance, BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated with vestibular therapy. Exercises involving repositioning the head can also relieve dizziness. Other treatments include eating snacks and staying hydrated.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo diagnosis involves a physical examination and medical history. In addition, a doctor may order imaging tests to rule out any underlying problems with the nervous system. Treatment for vertigo depends on the cause, the severity of vertigo, the age of the patient, and overall health. In severe cases, surgery or radiation therapy may be necessary.
A doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms. However, in most cases, treatment is not needed. In mild cases, a doctor may prescribe allergy medication, change your diet to treat low blood sugar or dehydration or check for underlying neurological or cardiac disorders. If vertigo persists after the cure, medical attention is necessary.
Doctors may also order specific tests to determine the root cause of vertigo. These tests may involve the application of oxygen sensors to the fingertip or blood glucose tests to detect the underlying cause. Some tests may involve a gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Chiropractic treatments are another option. These procedures target the upper cervical area, which helps to reduce the intensity of symptoms. Visiting a chiropractor can also improve the overall health of the patient, which may reduce the need for medicines.
Symptoms
Symptoms of swimming with vertigo can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk. Some causes can be treated easily with home remedies, while others require medical attention. If you’re frequently swimming or have a history of vertigo, consult a doctor.
Most cases of swimming-induced dizziness are mild and temporary. In some cases, a doctor may recommend dietary changes or allergy medications. Other times, they will check for underlying neurological or cardiac disorders. In more severe cases, a prescription drug might be prescribed.
Another critical issue to consider when swimming with vertigo is the risk of getting an infection. Swimmers should wear special filter earplugs to keep water from entering their ears. In addition, they should try to limit the amount of head movement while swimming. A patient should also try to focus on a steady object in open water to help settle the brain. Performing the backstroke will help keep the head in a fixed position. Front crawl is best avoided for people with vertigo.
Symptoms of swimming with vertigo include:
- A feeling of floating or swimming.
- A sense of imbalance or tipping.
- A feeling of lightheadedness.
The symptoms will worsen when the patient moves their head or neck. There may also be headaches, nausea, vomiting, double vision, or numbness. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist or otolaryngologist for further evaluation. These medical professionals focus on the inner ear and can help you solve your balance problems.
Vertigo can be caused by various conditions, including Meniere’s disease. This disorder causes pressure on the labyrinth membranes, which detect positional changes in your body. Medications may also cause vertigo.
Causes
Vertigo occurs when several different factors can cause swimming. The first reason is that your inner ears are not functioning correctly. The semicircular canals inside the inner ear keep the body balanced. Any problems with these canals will cause a spinning feeling and vertigo. You should avoid swimming until your inner ear has recovered and if possible, avoid long periods of swimming.
Another cause is the sudden movements of your head. These movements can cause BBPV, backward-bend-point peristaltic waves), a common cause of vertigo. This type of dizziness can be severe, and swimmers should take precautions to avoid it.
Fortunately, most cases of dizziness caused by swimming are mild and temporary and don’t require medical treatment. If your symptoms are severe or lingering, you should see your doctor. A physician can prescribe allergy medication and dietary changes to correct low blood sugar and check for any underlying cardiac or neurological conditions. If the dizziness persists, your physician may prescribe medication to treat the underlying conditions.
If your vertigo is caused by cervicogenic dizziness, you should see your otolaryngologist for a thorough evaluation. This condition is controversial, and many otolaryngologists fail to diagnose it properly. Fortunately, this condition is treatable if detected early. Suppose you experience vertigo while swimming; consult your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience dizziness while swimming, you should avoid performing dangerous activities. For example, you should avoid driving, climbing ladders, using electric hedge clippers, and swimming without a lifeguard. It would help to prevent excessive amounts of caffeine, nicotine, and salt while swimming.
Exercises
Vertigo can be a debilitating condition, but exercises for swimming with vertigo can help ease the symptoms and keep you healthy. These exercises are safe for most people and have been proven to help patients deal with vertigo. The activities should be done on a soft surface, and you should start slowly. If your vertigo makes these exercises difficult, you should consult a doctor.
Different causes can cause vertigo, so getting the proper diagnosis is crucial before beginning an exercise regimen. Some types of vertigo are caused by a specific problem in the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease. Certain types of exercise may cause other forms of dizziness. One type is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. BPPV is a condition where calcium-carbonate crystals break free in the inner ear, disrupting the sense of gravity and causing vertigo.
Some of these causes can be reduced or prevented. Vertigo that is persistent and causes room spinning may require medical attention. However, you can take steps to strengthen your vestibular system with the help of a physical therapist. In addition, a vestibular specialist can help you maintain your vestibular system and improve your symptoms.
An exercise routine will improve your balance and reduce your fall risk. It is essential to start slowly and gradually. It’s also important to consult a doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. Once you’re comfortable with head exercises, you can try full-body activities. And once you’re satisfied with your head exercises, you can move your eyes. This will help reduce the vertigo symptoms.
Returning to swimming can be challenging if you previously suffered from vertigo. It’s recommended to take at least two weeks to begin a new routine and slow down your pace. You should also focus on your head position in the water and slow down your stroke speed. The backstroke is an excellent exercise to practice because it allows you to maintain a relative position to your head while swimming.
