Why does blowing electric fan cause dizziness?

Generally, dizziness caused by electric fan exposure may be due to factors such as fan stimulation, reduced body hydration, hypotension, anemia, or cervical spondylosis. Symptomatic management such as general treatment or medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended to receive appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Fan Stimulation

Electric fans may generate noise and airflow during operation, which can affect the ears and potentially cause dizziness by stimulating the vestibular nerve. Symptoms may include tinnitus and hearing loss. It is recommended to avoid directing the fan airflow directly at the ears and to adjust the fan's speed and angle.

2. Reduced Body Hydration

When using an electric fan, the increased air movement accelerates sweat evaporation, leading to decreased body water content. This reduction in fluid volume may decrease effective circulating blood volume, potentially causing cerebral hypoperfusion and dizziness. Symptoms may include thirst, fatigue, and dry skin. It is recommended to replenish fluids appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure to electric fans.

3. Hypotension

Hypotension may be caused by factors such as reduced blood volume or endocrine disorders. Patients with hypotension have reduced cardiac pumping efficiency. Although fan airflow may accelerate blood circulation, patients with hypotension cannot maintain sufficient blood pressure, leading to reduced cerebral blood supply and dizziness. Symptoms may include vertigo, visual darkening, and unsteady standing. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as midodrine tablets, flunarizine hydrochloride capsules, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

4. Anemia

Anemia may result from malnutrition, excessive blood loss, or impaired hematopoiesis. Patients with anemia have insufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Fan airflow may increase cerebral metabolic demands, but anemic patients cannot supply sufficient oxygen, leading to dizziness. Symptoms may include fatigue, pallor, and palpitations. It is recommended to use medications such as ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, ferrous fumarate tablets, or ammonium ferric citrate vitamin B1 syrup II under medical guidance.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Chronic strain or degeneration of the cervical spine may lead to cervical spondylosis. Patients with cervical spondylosis have abnormal cervical structures and tense neck muscles. The airflow from an electric fan may increase the burden on neck muscles, causing muscle spasms that further compress cervical blood vessels, affecting cerebral blood supply and causing dizziness. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, shoulder and back pain, and arm numbness. It is recommended to use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, or mecobalamin tablets under medical guidance.

If dizziness occurs after exposure to an electric fan, a towel soaked in warm water can be gently applied to the forehead to help alleviate symptoms.