Feeling Faint?

Various ailments can cause a person to faint, including standing up too fast, feeling stressed or being dehydrated. Although fainting is often predictable and usually brief, it’s important to be aware of the cause if it’s a recurring problem.

When It Becomes Serious

Fainting shouldn’t be something that you ignore. Here are a few reasons when feeling faint or actually fainting could be an indication of a more serious issue. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any fainting spells you may have experienced.

Low blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Having chronically low blood pressure could potentially result in diabetes or nervous system diseases.

Medications. Some prescribed medications can cause fainting. Make sure to always read the labels and potential side effects.

Heart problems. Some heart disorders can be identified from fainting, such as an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm.

Low blood sugar. When a person’s blood sugar drops too low it often results in sweating and fainting.

Structural disturbance. Disturbances of the heart muscle, valves or blood vessels can cause fainting.

Dehydration. When you are dehydrated, you are not getting enough fluids, which causes low blood pressure and dizziness.

Anemia. The main symptom of anemia is tiredness, but because you’re not getting enough oxygen to the brain, you could also feel light-headed and dizzy.

Panic attacks. Those who are diagnosed with anxiety syndrome can feel faint right before having a panic attack.

Stress. When you are stressed out, you often breathe more rapidly and frequently. This could produce dizziness and numbness.

Questions For Your Doc

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor if you have fainted before or are worried about fainting.

› What is causing me to faint?

› Is there something I can do to prevent fainting?

› Is there any medication I can take for fainting?

› If I faint once, should I call the doctor immediately?

› Is there a diet I should follow to help deal with fainting?

Fainting First Aid

If someone faints, here are the steps you should take to ensure they’re breathing and out of harm’s way.

1. Position the person on his or her back. If they are breathing, raise the person’s legs above their heart about 12 inches if possible. Loosen tight clothing. Don’t try to get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn’t regain consciousness within one minute, call 911.

2. Check the person’s airway to be sure it’s clear, and watch for vomiting.

3. Check for signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement. If the person isn’t breathing, begin CPR and call 911 immediately.