Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness, often caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Most cases of fainting resolve on their own and are not life-threatening. However, sometimes fainting can be a sign of a more serious health problem. People who faint are at risk of falls, injuries, and complications.
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Some warning signs of impending fainting include:
- Sweating.
- Dizzy.
- Out of breath.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Pale skin (especially due to lack of blood flow to the skin, skin color can vary depending on complexion).
- Shocked and worried.
- Confused.
- Urinary incontinence.
Reason
Fainting can be caused by many things such as low blood sugar, dehydration, emotional changes or stress.
Low blood pressure from standing or sitting up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension); heart problems such as arrhythmias, heart failure (the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs) also cause fainting.
Medications are a common cause of fainting in older adults. People with multiple underlying medical conditions who take multiple medications at the same time can also faint.
Fainting also occurs in people with carotid sinus syndrome (an exaggerated response to pressure on the carotid sinuses in the neck). This condition can also occur with the use of substances that alter the senses, such as cocaine or alcohol.
Treatment
Fainting is common and usually does not require treatment. If medication is the cause of fainting, the patient should consult a doctor about reducing the dose or changing the medication.
Fainting due to stress is treated by avoiding the stressor or anxiety trigger. If the cause is low blood sugar, diabetics can use insulin and other diabetes medications as prescribed by their doctor.
Avoid standing up or sitting down suddenly. Drink more water on hot days. Fainting due to heart disease needs to be treated with medication or surgery depending on the doctor's instructions.
Fainting is common in the elderly and can lead to falls and injuries. Frequent loss of oxygen to the brain during fainting increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, etc.
Diagnose
The doctor asks about the patient's current condition, history of medication and food use, and any current illnesses.
An electrocardiogram may be ordered to diagnose the cause of fainting. Checking indicators such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood tests, blood sugar and electrolyte levels are also helpful to help the doctor make a diagnosis.
Anh Chi (According to Very Well Health )
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