Dizziness in hot weather or in everyday life: when should you seek medical advice?
PD Dr. med. Sarah Marti
July 17, 2026
4 min
A brief bout of dizziness when standing up, light-headedness on a hot summer’s day or a sudden feeling of unsteadiness whilst walking – dizziness can take many forms and often leaves those affected feeling unsettled. Whilst heat or dehydration are often harmless triggers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders or other internal medical causes may also be to blame. Find out when dizziness is harmless, which warning signs you should take seriously and how we can help you with the diagnosis.
Why does dizziness often occur in hot weather?
On warm days, the body dilates its blood vessels to release excess heat. At the same time, it loses fluids and electrolytes through sweating. If this loss is not adequately compensated for, blood pressure can drop and the brain may temporarily receive less blood – dizziness is a common consequence.
The following groups are particularly prone to circulatory problems:
- older people
- people with cardiovascular conditions
- people with low blood pressure
- Patients taking blood pressure-lowering or diuretic medication
However, even healthy people can experience temporary dizziness in extreme heat.
Not all dizziness is the same
For medical assessment, how the dizziness feels is crucial. Those affected describe their symptoms in very different ways. The type of dizziness alone provides important clues as to the possible cause.
- Vertigo: The surroundings seem to be spinning. The cause often lies in the vestibular system of the inner ear.
- Unsteadiness: Those affected feel unsteady when standing or walking, as if they are about to lose their balance.
- Light-headedness or circulatory dizziness: This involves a feeling of impending fainting or ‘going black’, often associated with fluctuations in blood pressure or a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain.
- Non-specific dizziness: A general feeling of unsteadiness or light-headedness, which can have various causes.
The symptoms are not always caused by a disorder of the vestibular system. Cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, dehydration or side effects of medication, in particular, may initially manifest as dizziness. A thorough internal medical assessment helps to narrow down the cause and initiate the appropriate treatment.
The vestibular system in the inner ear is just one of many possible causes of dizziness. A thorough examination will provide clarity.
When should dizziness be investigated by a doctor?
Occasional dizziness following exposure to extreme heat or when standing up quickly is usually nothing to worry about. However, if the symptoms recur, last for a longer period or restrict the person’s daily life, a medical examination is recommended.
A prompt medical assessment is particularly important if the following symptoms also occur:
- Fainting or falls
- Chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath
- Speech, vision or paralysis problems
- Sudden, severe dizziness with no apparent cause
In these cases, there may be serious underlying conditions that need to be investigated and treated promptly.
How is the assessment carried out at Zollikerberg Hospital?
At our hospital, specialists in internal medicine and neurologists work closely together to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the specific issue, the assessment is carried out on an interdisciplinary basis. Where necessary, specialists from other disciplines are consulted.
We also work closely with experienced consultant doctors who look after patients in their own practices. It is there that individual assessment and treatment take place. This ensures a comprehensive diagnosis and enables us to initiate treatment tailored to your needs.
The assessment begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, their progression and any possible triggers. This discussion is supplemented by a physical examination and – depending on the specific issue – by further diagnostic tests such as blood tests, blood pressure measurements, an ECG or an ultrasound scan of the heart.
What can you do yourself?
Depending on the cause of the dizziness, simple measures can help to prevent or relieve symptoms. For circulatory problems – particularly on hot days – it is advisable to:
- drink plenty of fluids
- to carry out physical activities during the cooler morning or evening hours wherever possible
- to get up slowly after sitting or lying down for a long time
- to consume alcohol only in moderation and to ensure you eat regular meals
For certain types of dizziness, specific exercises can also help to improve stability and promote coordination between the vestibular system, the eyes and the nervous system.
If the dizziness persists, recurs or is accompanied by other symptoms, the cause should be investigated by a doctor. An early diagnosis enables targeted treatment and can help to improve quality of life in the long term.
Targeted exercises can improve balance and alleviate symptoms in certain types of vertigo.
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