Fainting is defined as the feeling of passing out or momentary unconsciousness. The medical term used for it is syncope. The term fainting refers to a condition when there is a sudden drop in the blood pressure in the brain. The feeling may subside after a mere minute and the affected person will recover consciousness and will be aware of what had just happened.
Through this blog, we will try to develop a basic understanding of fainting and we will also try to find out the suitable answers to the most frequently asked question: what to do if you feel like passing out?
So without wasting any further time, let us jump straight into the discussion.
Table of Contents
Overview
Before finding out the answer to the above-mentioned question. It is necessary to clear our misconceptions about fainting.
Fainting as already discussed is a momentary loss in blood pressure of the individual which will cause the loss of consciousness. The brain is a sensitive organ and can’t tolerate any disturbance in the blood supply.
Thus the brain is put in what you can call a sleeping state. As soon as the blood pressure returns to the normal value, the blood is pumped towards the brain so that it can be made aware of its vicinity.
What To Do If You Feel Like Passing Out?
Now coming to the main question: what to do if you feel like passing out?
There are certain things that can be done if you feel like you are about to faint.
Carefully managing the targeted symptoms can help you to feel at home with this unusual phenomenon.
1- If you feel dizzy then sit down and try to make yourself comfortable by reaffirmations that this state will pass.
2- If you can lie down then it is far better. Lie on your back with the legs in the air as it will promote the blood flow to the brain and will also prevent blood pooling.
3- Try to get up only when you feel that you are feeling better.
4- The other thing that should be done while sitting is to clench the fist. This will help in elevating the blood pressure.
5- Try to target the reason which resulted in fainting in the first place. If you haven’t eaten something try to eat or consume some food items slowly. This will help in restoring the normal blood pressure and will also help to prevent fainting episodes.
6- If you haven’t consumed water then it is better to drink some water slowly so that the blood pressure can be made normal.
7- Try to calm and compose yourself by taking slow and deep breaths.
Causes of Fainting
There are many causes of this feeling of passing out. The causes can vary from individual to individual. And it is not even easy to make a record of every cause. Around 35% of cases of fainting have undetermined causes.
However, on a general baseline the common causes of fainting are as follows:
1- Standing up too quickly
Standing up too quickly can disrupt the normal blood supply to the brain and is also linked with low blood pressure. So take your time and get up with ease so that the blood pressure can remain stable.
2- Consuming less amount of food
The second major reason which has been reported so far is the consumption of less food. The food which we eat or drink contains glucose in it. This glucose is the main energy provider to the brain cells.
The cells when deprived of the glucose can lead to a state of consciousness because as already discussed our brain is a sensitive organ that cannot tolerate any significant drop or rise in blood pressure and in the contents of blood too.
3- Dehydration
Consuming less than normal amounts of water daily can lead to fainting or nearly passing out. The water which we take is essential to maintain normal blood pressure. So if the body is not supplied with enough water there are high chances of fainting. Consider taking ORS water. Find out more about the health benefits of ORS.
4- Consuming alcohol and beverages
These alcoholic beverages can also interfere with the normal nervous system and can induce chemicals in the body that increases the chances of fainting.
5- Heart-related problems
Many heart-related disorders can lead to more frequent fainting episodes. The blood is not being pumped to the brain effectively which results in passing out.
6- Sinusitis
The sinus infections can also lead to symptoms that closely resemble dizziness and in severe cases can also lead to fainting.
How Not to Pass Out When Getting Blood Drawn?
There is another common condition that can cause fainting. Many people question: how not to pass out when getting blood drawn?
Well, the answer is nothing complex and technical. The passing out in that case is caused due to anxiety and stress. So managing anxiety and stress at that moment can also help in preventing fainting.
If you are fully prepared for getting your blood drawn then there are fewer chances of passing out.
The other possible reason for that passing out is the sudden drop in blood pressure. So for that try to drink juice or electrolyte-rich water afterwards.
Ways to Prevent Fainting
There are multiple things that can be done in order to prevent fainting. And also as it said that prevention is better than cure. So it is essential to prevent fainting.
The things that can be done in this regard include:
- Take meals at the proper time. If you are hypoglycemic then take some candies along with you as these can help in providing the necessary glucose to the brain.
- Try to keep yourself hydrated with either normal water or with vitamin water.
- If you are standing for a longer period of time then take a rest and sit down. If it is not possible then take some steps. This will help in blood pooling and the chances of fainting will be drastically reduced.
- If your passing out feeling is initiated due to anxiety and emotional distress. Try to calm down yourself by taking deep breaths and distract those emotions as much as you can.
Side Read: try these breathing exercises for relieving anxiety and stress.
The Final Takeaway
Fainting can happen to anyone and it is more frequent in harsh weather conditions. If you have no previous history of fainting or if you have fainted more than once in no time then consider consulting with the general physician. Make an appointment today with the best general physician, and get rid of all the apprehensions. To read more on health care issues, visit our website healthwire.
