In classical literature, there is often a mention of how, as a result of squeezing a corset or excessive excitement, ladies faint. The sensual image of education and the elements of clothing that make it difficult to breathe are a thing of the past. But fainting still happens to people today. What is the reason for this phenomenon? How to recognize pre-fainting conditions in a timely manner? What action should be taken?
What is fainting?
In medical parlance, this condition is called syncope. In the people, they usually say "fainting", or "loss of consciousness." This phenomenon is most often observed as a result of a short-term violation of the supply of oxygen to the brain.
Fainting is not always a harbinger of serious illness. However, if a person loses consciousness often enough, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Only a doctor will be able to identify the causes of discomfort and timely choose the treatment.
Any lossesconsciousness is preceded by fainting states. It is very important to be able to recognize them. After all, timely measures taken will help to avoid fainting.
Causes of loss of consciousness
According to statistics, fainting occurs in almost a third of the population. At the same time, it is women who most often experience pre-fainting.
Causes of loss of consciousness can be different. Doctors divide them into 3 groups:
- Neurogenic. Provoked by vascular pathologies or disorders in the nervous system.
- Somatogenic. Arising as a result of various pathologies of organs.
- Psychogenic. Caused by mental disorders.
The basis of neurogenic syncope is a sharp change in pressure. It can be observed both in young people (after suffering stress) and in older people (with sudden movements). Doctors believe that they can provoke a presyncope state of the following reasons:
- strong stress;
- fright;
- unpleasant sight of accident or blood;
- stuffiness;
- sharp pain;
- extreme heat;
- prolonged standing;
- a tightly tied tie;
- sharp movements;
- pathology affecting the peripheral nerves (diabetes mellitus, anemia, large blood loss, alcoholism);
- long bed rest;
- use of certain medications (nitrates, vasodilators).
Somatogenic syncope provokes badthe functioning of the heart. Failure in the rhythm of this organ leads to disruption of the blood supply to the brain. Most often, pre-fainting conditions are caused by the following reasons:
- cardiac tamponade;
- atrial fibrillation;
- ventricular tachycardia.
Psychogenic syncope to this day is the topic of the most heated debate about their inclusion in the neurological classification. Most doctors are sure that such loss of consciousness is nothing more than a simulation.
For such phenomena are characterized by prolonged pre-fainting states. They are accompanied by a feeling of growing weakness, lack of air, anxiety, fear. Often there is an alternation of loss of consciousness with recovery.
Characteristic symptoms
Any syncope develops very quickly. As a rule, harbingers of an unpleasant state appear 15-60 seconds before losing consciousness. At this time, a person experiences a pre-fainting state. His symptoms are as follows:
- appearance of severe weakness, feeling of dizziness;
- sometimes there is an irresistible yawn;
- heartbeat quickens;
- gets dizzy;
- it gets dark in the eyes, flies, circles flash;
- ringing in the ears;
- a strong pulsation is felt in the temples;
- suddenly cold sweat breaks out;
- feeling a flush of heat accompanied by a thready rapid pulse;
- or a sharp blanching and an unfilled rare pulse;
- appears nausea;
- legs begin to give way.
What happens next?
People who have already experienced pre-syncope, the symptoms indicating loss of consciousness, determine unmistakably. Such signs and increasing weakness cause a strong desire to lie down. In the absence of such an opportunity, a person begins to sink, after which a faint occurs.
In this state, the patient has:
- low respiratory rate;
- weak pulse;
- lack of pupillary response to light;
- small convulsions and involuntary urination (in case of prolonged fainting).
It is extremely rare for loss of consciousness to occur suddenly. Most often, the above harbingers indicate the development of an unpleasant situation.
It should be reminded once again that the pre-fainting state is rather short. What to do in this case? And how to prevent blackouts in such a short period of time?
First Aid
So, what should you do if a person next to you loses consciousness? The most important thing is not to worry and calm down! And then you need to act. After all, only properly organized events can help.
First aid for loss of consciousness includes the following actions:
- Lay the victim on a flat surface. To do this, use a table, floor or bench. Place a chair, books, pillows under the patient's feet. They must be above the torso and head. Such action will allowallow fainting. Because it will provide blood flow to the head.
- The casu alty needs fresh air. If the sick person is indoors, be sure to open a window.
- Fainting is often accompanied by vomiting. To prevent the masses from entering the respiratory tract, it is necessary to turn the patient's head to one side.
- Unfasten items of clothing that make breathing difficult - collar, belt.
- Check the victim's pulse. In case of poor probing, call the doctors immediately.
- To bring the patient to his senses, use ammonia. Soak a swab in it and bring it to the patient's nose at a distance of 1-2 cm.
- If you don't have alcohol on hand, wipe the victim's face with a damp cloth. You can sprinkle with cool water.
- Be sure to call an ambulance. Even if the patient recovered rather quickly.
Immediately getting up after fainting is not recommended. First you need to sit down. And an attempt to get up can be made only 10-30 minutes after fainting. Moreover, if the victim experiences dizziness, it is necessary to lie down again.
Doctor's consultation
After first aid is provided for loss of consciousness, the patient should consult a doctor. This will determine the cause of this condition and prevent recurrence.
As a rule, the doctor prescribes the following examinations:
- electrocardiogram;
- echocardiogram;
- electroencephalography;
- glucose tolerance test;
- angiography of cerebral vessels.
If necessary, the patient is sent for a consultation to:
- endocrinologist;
- cardiologist;
- oncologist.
Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. In most cases, no special therapy is required. Doctors say that most often a person needs:
- rest;
- getting rid of tight clothes;
- proper nutrition.
Some patients are recommended beta-blockers (drugs that improve the tone of blood vessels), an increase in s alt in the diet. In case of a feeling of fear of a second attack, the patient is referred for a consultation with a psychotherapist.
Loss of consciousness during pregnancy
Fainness and dizziness are the earliest and most commonly known signs of a delicate condition. Expectant mothers need to learn to recognize symptoms that indicate loss of consciousness in order not to endanger their baby.
Presyncope during pregnancy has a number of symptoms:
- tinnitus;
- blurred vision;
- dizziness;
- feeling weak in legs;
- cold sweat;
- numbness of limbs;
- general weakness;
- nausea;
- pulsation in the temples;
- blanching.
Similar conditions in a future mother can provoke the following reasons:
- low blood pressure;
- low blood sugar;
- overheatingbody;
- stale air;
- pressure on the vessels of the uterus;
- anemia;
- diabetes;
- pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
- stress and fatigue;
- long standing position;
- physical activity;
- abrupt change in body position;
- viral infection;
- strong odors.
Some women may experience frequent fainting as a result of an ectopic pregnancy or placental bleeding. Therefore, if any symptoms confuse the expectant mother, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
What to do?
The rules for providing first aid to pregnant women are no different from those described above. After the woman regains consciousness, it is recommended to give her sweet tea with lemon, eat something and be sure to lie down.
Doctors say that most often pregnant women need to increase low blood pressure to normal. Syncope is usually provoked by hypotension. To do this, you can use infusions and decoctions:
- rosehip;
- St. John's wort;
- juniper;
- strawberries;
- yarrow.
Your doctor will recommend oxygen therapy if needed. Various physiotherapy procedures can be prescribed that can normalize blood pressure.
Conclusion
It is very important to recognize in time that impending weakness is a pre-fainting state. The ability to anticipate it, understanding the cause, knowledge of the characteristic symptoms will help prevent loss of consciousness. But the most important thing isavoid unpleasant injury as a result of an unexpected fall.
