Fainting

Some people are prone to fainting spells. This happens when the brain does not get enough oxygen. According to the medical dictionary, syncope, the medical term for fainting or passing out, is defined as a transient loss of consciousness, characterized by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery, due to low blood flow to the brain.  This can be caused by emotional stress; physical pain; a sudden change in body position, like standing up too quickly (postural hypotension); low blood sugar; abnormal heart rhythm; stroke; or heart attack. Common faints (not linked to disease) tend to take place in a warm, crowded room, or when your stomach is empty, or when you’re in pain, or after an injury. Poor physical condition can leave you more prone to fainting.

Here are some dos and don’ts to remember if someone faints.

Do:

• Catch the person before he or she falls.
• Place the person in a horizontal position, with the head below the level of the heart and the legs raised to promote blood flow to the brain. 
• Turn the victim’s head to the side, so the tongue doesn’t fall back into the throat.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• Apply cold, moist towels to the person’s face and neck.
• Keep the victim warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do:

• Don’t slap or shake anyone who’s just fainted.
• Don’t try to give the person anything to drink, not even water.
• Don’t allow the person who’s fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness passes, and then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure he or she doesn’t faint again.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com