Fainting can be caused by several factors, such as low blood pressure, lack of blood sugar, or being in very hot environments, for example. However, in some cases it can also occur from heart or nervous system problems and therefore, in case of discomfort, the person should lie down or sit down.
Fainting, scientifically known as syncope, is the loss of consciousness that causes a fall and, usually before fainting, signs and symptoms, such as paleness, dizziness, sweating, blurred vision and weakness, for example.
- Everyone can pass out.
- Even if they don’t have a medical condition.
- Some of the reasons that may cause fainting include:.
In addition, fainting can be a sign of heart problems or brain diseases, such as arrhythmias or aortic stenosis, for example, because in most cases fainting is caused by a reduction in the amount of blood reaching the brain.
The following table identifies the most common causes of age-appropriate fainting that can occur in the elderly, youth, and pregnant women.
Causes of fainting in the elderly
Causes of fainting in children and adolescents.
Causes of fainting during pregnancy.
However, one of the causes of fainting can occur at any age or period of life.
Feeling that you are going to faint and have symptoms such as dizziness, weakness or blurred vision, the person should lie on the ground, placing the legs at a higher level in relation to the body, or sit and lean from the trunk to the legs, avoid stressful situations and avoid staying in the same position for a long time. See more tips on how to act if you pass out.
In addition, to avoid fainting, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, eat every 3 hours, avoid exposure to heat, especially in summer, slowly get out of bed, sit first in bed, and record situations that often cause a feeling of weakness, such as drawing blood or receiving an injection, and informing the nurse or pharmacist of this possibility.
It is very important to avoid fainting because the person can be injured or fractured as a result of the fall, which is caused by a sudden loss of consciousness.
Usually, after a fainting, you need to see a doctor to try to find the cause. There are cases where it is essential that the person immediately goes to the emergency room:
In these cases, the patient should be evaluated by the physician to verify that he or she is healthy and, if necessary, perform more specific tests, such as blood tests or CT scans, for example. Learn how to prepare for a scanner.