Many people have experienced fainting. Sometimes they themselves experienced this phenomenon, sometimes - someone from those around them. It is precisely because of the prevalence and unexpected occurrence of this condition that it is important to know the main clinical signs of syncope. The ability to provide first aid in this situation can save a person's life. The article discusses the most common signs of fainting and methods of dealing with it.
What is fainting?
This concept refers to a short-term loss of consciousness. The duration of this state is from a few seconds to ten minutes. The first option is the most common.
Studies have shown that in this way the brain tries to protect itself from hypoxia. Due to oxygen starvation, the body's defense system accelerates blood circulation, and the victim loses consciousness. Usually in this situation, a person falls, and due to the adoption by the body of a horizontalposition, it becomes easier for the heart to work (since the vessels are in a plane that is not directed upwards). The volume of oxygen from such manipulations increases, and the symptoms of oxygen starvation disappear. It is after this that a person usually comes to his senses.
And although the duration of such a phenomenon is relatively short, some complications are not ruled out. Therefore, if a person begins to faint (signs), it is better to help him immediately.
The difference between fainting and loss of consciousness
These concepts are often used as synonyms, but there are still differences between them. The following formulations can identify signs of fainting and manifestations of loss of consciousness:
- When fainting, the overall muscle tone does not decrease. That is, a person does not go limp, like a weak-willed doll. Loss of consciousness completely relaxes all the muscles of the victim.
- Defensive reflexes of the body are not weakened by fainting. Being in a faint, a person breathes, but loss of consciousness can deprive him of this opportunity. In addition, in the latter case, tongue retraction is often observed, which, in turn, can lead to blockage of the airways and even death.
- Convulsive state can be a clear symptom of loss of consciousness. By this action, the brain gives a signal of a serious threat to the body. Again, it must be borne in mind that this option is also characteristic of epileptic seizures. But this is not typical for fainting.
Causes of fainting
To phenomena,that provoked fainting, usually include the following factors:
- Emotional shock, as well as the appearance of extremely severe pain. This can also include shock and fear. In such situations, there is a sharp drop in pressure, due to which blood flow worsens. Signs of fainting appear almost immediately.
- Weakening of the body, loss of strength. If a person is malnourished for a long time, lacks sleep and is very nervous, then he is at risk. The scheme of the situation is the same: pressure drops, fainting is observed.
- Long stay in a room where it is smoky or there is simply little oxygen. If the air in the room is oversaturated with cigarette smoke, a person may faint due to severe oxygen starvation.
- Prolonged standing and no movement. It has been repeatedly observed that people who stand in lines for a long time often faint. Due to the lack or insufficiency of motor activity, blood stagnation occurs in the lower extremities, and this interferes with normal blood flow.
Types of fainting
Scientists have long since deduced an impressive number of types of short-term loss of consciousness. Among them:
- Orthostatic syncope. It usually occurs with a sharp change in body position - if you abruptly get up from a prone position. There is dizziness and "cottonness" in the legs. This condition is dangerous with the risk of falling and injuring yourself.
- "High-rise" swoon. This usually happens to a personunusual height, for example, when climbing a mountain.
- Convulsive. The name itself explains the whole meaning - there are signs of fainting that are more characteristic of loss of consciousness: convulsions and a change in complexion.
- Vasodepressor. Possible due to severe overstrain, stress and fatigue. A drop in pulse and pressure are the signs of fainting in this case. To quickly get a person out of this state, you just need to lay him on a completely horizontal surface.
- Anemic syncope. With a drop in hemoglobin levels, a person is at risk. Elderly people are especially susceptible to this phenomenon.
- Fainness due to heart rhythm disturbance. In diseases of the cardiovascular system, this phenomenon is a frequent guest. Signs of cardiac syncope are the same as in normal syncope, the only difference is that the heart rate either drops sharply (less than 40 beats per minute) or greatly increases (more than 180-200 beats per minute).
There are other types and subtypes of short-term loss of consciousness, but they are less common.
Symptoms of fainting
Presyncope is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, severe weakness, nausea, icy sweat (usually felt in the back), tinnitus, blurred vision (up to the appearance of the so-called "white noise" before the eyes), strong blanching and grayness of the skin.
Already in a faint, a person usually falls, the pupils stop responding to light sources, the pulse worsens or disappears altogether, breathing becomesweak.
After fainting, the victim is still very weak, and it is not recommended for him to try to get up for some more time. This could trigger another seizure.
So, common signs of fainting are weakness and falling. If one of the people around you fell, and according to the symptoms, this situation resembles a short-term loss of consciousness, you should not get lost, but immediately begin to act.
What should you do if a person faints?
First, don't panic. First you need to free up more space around the victim and provide fresh air. Then the task is to ensure a horizontal position, and so that the head is lower than the whole body, and the legs are even higher. This is necessary for the speedy flow of blood to the brain.
Next, you should turn the person on his side so that in case of vomiting he does not choke. After these manipulations, it is necessary to wipe the face of the victim with a wet cloth or give a sniff of a cotton swab dipped in ammonia. When the body temperature is low, it is necessary to cover the person with a warm blanket.
What should not be done to a fainting person?
The first aid rules for fainting recommend placing the victim in a horizontal position, but it is important to remember that the head should still be slightly lower than the general level. In no case should you try to put a person on his feet. You can seat the victim only if there is no way to put him on the floor or just on the ground. And even in this case it is necessarytilt the victim's head below the knees.
And of course, the main rule: if someone around you faints, you can't do nothing. The risk of getting a concussion in the event of a short-term loss of consciousness is very high, and the lack of assistance in this case threatens the appearance of a variety of complications, in some cases, it leads to death.
How to prevent fainting?
To avoid such a dangerous condition, you need to eat right and lead a he althy lifestyle. It is the lack of control over nutrition and sleep, systematic overwork and stress that lead to fainting. As a means to combat stress, you can drink a course of valerian or use any other sedative. Of course, you should visit a doctor before taking any medication.
As little as possible you need to be in stuffy rooms, if possible, you should give up bad habits. It is advisable to breathe fresh air more often, engage in feasible sports, or simply replace a trip by public transport with a walk. This is the only way to exclude yourself from the risk group.
In closing
The danger of a momentary loss of consciousness is undeniable. At a minimum, you can injure yourself in the cranium and even the brain, and in case of untimely assistance, other complications are likely. Therefore, you should carefully monitor your own he alth, as well as the he alth of your loved ones. Knowing what are the signs of faintinga person, you can even save more than one life. For this reason, you need to be more attentive to others and be sure to provide all possible assistance to random passers-by. If a person shows signs of fainting - do not pass by!
