HealthSquare.com

Your Prescription Drug Destination
See all our sites for your special health needs at www.HealthCentral.com
HealthSquare >  Conditions and Treatments >  Alpha Index >  F >  Fainting

Search:

Choose a suggestion...
...or just finish typing
Drugs A-Z:

Fainting

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Fainting, known medically as syncope (SIN-coe-pea), strikes quickly and passes just as fast--typically within a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes. It usually occurs while you are standing.

Causes

Fainting episodes usually occur when the brain fails to get enough blood. This can be the result of various heart conditions, a change in your heart rate, low blood pressure, or a sudden change in position. The problem is sometimes an allergic reaction to a drug. In addition, low blood sugar can lead to a fainting spell, as can hyperventilation. Sometimes, no cause can be found.

Signs/Symptoms

Warning signs of an impending attack typically include light-headedness and a sudden feeling that you are going to pass out. These are often accompanied by sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. You may also develop rapid breathing and a fast heartbeat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • When you feel faint, lie down or sit down and bend over. If possible, keep your legs higher than your head. This will send blood back to your heart and help blood flow to your brain.
  • You may resume your normal activities when you are feeling better.
  • Make an appointment with your doctor to find out what caused the problem.
  • If you have low blood sugar, eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. Make sure they are high in protein (meat, chicken, fish, cheese) and complex carbohydrates (grains and cereals). Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates (candy and other sweets).

Call Your Doctor If...

  • You have another fainting spell.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • You develop chest pain. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Get medical help at once. Dial 0 (operator) or call 911. Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital.
  • You have trouble breathing, get a really bad headache, feel dizzy, or develop a rapid heartbeat.
  • You have pain in your back; severe pain in your abdomen; or pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in your arms or legs.
  • You have a seizure.
  • You notice any signs of bleeding, including bloody vomit and bloody or black stools.
Return to top
text continues below
 Email this page |   Printer friendly |   Bookmark this page
HONcode logo
We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.
More info from:

HealthCentral.com's
Anxiety Site

Most Viewed
Top Anxiety Drugs
More 

Latest News

  • Chronic conditions may lead to health anxiety
  • Veterans' caregivers seek compensation
  • "Gulf War Syndrome" is real, report finds
  • Four books shed light on the effects of mental illness
  • Joyful Music in Tune With Heart Health
    • More 

    Learn More

    Anxiety Related Drugs

    View All
    Poll
    Which of these drugs are you taking?

    view results
    More info from

    HealthCentral.com's
    Anxiety Site

    View all conditions
    PR Newswire
    advertisement

    Featured Advertiser Links
    Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.
    Featuring Content From:
    • Harvard Health Publications
    • A.D.A.M.
    • HealthDay: News for Healthier Living
    • Thomson PDR
    • Ivanhoe Broadcast News

    By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on HealthSquare.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional mediscal care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2004-2008. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

    • HonCode: Health on the Net Foundation
    • TRUSTe Certified Privacy