Fainting Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Fainting or syncope is a condition in which a person suddenly temporarily loses consciousness and control of the muscles (body). Fainting usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes. After that, the patient will be conscious or recover spontaneously.
Fainting usually occurs due to a sudden and temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. After that the sufferer falls and the blood flow returns to the brain, so that the person who experienced it regains consciousness.
This condition can occur in everyone and is a common condition. Fainting is more common with the aging process. People who have recently fainted may also experience confusion when they wake up.
Symptoms
Fainting can indicate early symptoms or warning signs, such as:
- nauseous
- weak heart rate
- sudden change in body temperature
- sudden sweating
- visual disturbances such as seeing spots, tunnels, blurred vision, or dilated pupils
- felt suddenly a very distant sound
- lightheadedness and/or body feeling
- numb
- headache
- vertigo or dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- body becomes weak
- shiver
Reason
Fainting can be caused by many things, such as:
- drop in blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- low blood sugar
- changes in blood volume
- sudden changes in posture, such as standing up too fast or sudden extreme movements
- standing for a long time
- intense pain or excessive fear
- excessive stress
- pregnancy
- dehydration or lack of fluids
- too tired
Diagnosis
Usually, people who faint will immediately wake up within a few minutes. However, there are also fainting conditions that should be checked by a doctor. Some of them are like:
- passed out more than once
- conscious for more than two minutes
- fainting while pregnant
- loss of control of urination and defecation when fainting
- irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- have a history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, or diabetes
The doctor will ask for a medical history and perform a physical examination on the person who is experiencing it. In addition, other checks will be carried out. These tests include blood pressure checks, pregnancy tests, heart records (EKG), and tilt table tests to check blood pressure in different postures.
Treatment
If you experience any warning signs or feel like you might pass out, stop immediately everything you are doing. Then try to slowly sit or lie down. Avoid pushing yourself, until you unknowingly fall and get a head injury.
Try to raise the position of the feet higher than the head so that the blood flows up to the head. You can also do this when dealing with people who have fainted. If fainting occurs for more than two minutes, you should immediately take it to the emergency room.
Prevention
Fainting can be prevented in cases where there is a known cause, such as being overly hot or tired. You can also prevent fainting spells by drinking lots of water and avoiding conditions that can stress you out.