Dizziness & Vertigo Support Group

Dizziness is the sensation of instability. Vertigo refers to dizziness with a sensation of motion. Vertigo is more likely than other types of dizziness to be associated with nausea, vomiting, or double vision, to occur even when lying down, and to feel better with the eyes closed. If you are a frequent sufferer of dizziness or vertigo, join the group and find support.

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Dizziness & Vertigo Support Group

Smoking and Dizziness

OLA1123
OLA1123
Hi !

I have been a smoker for 9 years now and I have noticed severe dizziness over the last year and a half that I cant explain at all. I have narrowed it down to my smoking..could this be it??

I don't remember having this before so why now?

Could nicotine be making me feel this way??

Thanks!
hotdogdog
hotdogdog
Any reason to quit smoking is a good one!
I haven't read before that smoking / nicotine is directly related to vertigo.
By "severe dizziness" -- do you mean like lightheaded, like you may pass out or blackout, kind of out of body? Or do you mean, dizzy like a weird sensation of movement or like you've lost an understanding of gravity -- like you are getting the wrong signals?

They're 2 different things, and each could have multiple causes.
Smoking certainly robs your body of oxygen, and lack of oxygen can cause you to be dizzy for sure. A maintenance man sprayed a cleaner with propane in my house two weeks ago. I was whacked out for two days. (Propane fills up the lungs and robs you of oxygen from what I read.) A "dizzy" lightheaded feeling for sure. I was afraid I was going to pass out and die.
Anyway, just listen to everyone's advice re: smoking -- put it out for good, for your health and your wealth and the future of your family relations.
buzymama
buzymama
Smoking can lead to a lot of issues and i'm sure as a long time smoker your aware of that. It's possible that your smoking has triggered your vertigo but it doesn't mean it's the only cause. Research shows that 40% of people experience vertigo within their lifetime. Your chances increase as you get older and when you are pre-exposed by infections, head trauma, diet, and yes, drinking and smoking. Have you talked with a doctor about your dizziness at all?

If you can stop smoking it would be well worth it to try. You might find it helps but I would recommend you work with a doctor. Quitting after 9 years may be difficult and should your vertigo continue or get worse they would be able to help you take the next step into relieving you are your dizziness. Here are a few articles you may find helpful? Good Luck!

Smoking and effects on vertigo recovery:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11347641

What causes vertigo:
http://nationaldizzyandbalancecenter.com/resources/what-causes-dizziness-vertigo/