“I think I’m going to pass out” or where do fainting come from?

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Did Edyta Górniak really faint during the recordings for the “Hit, Hit, Hurray!” Program? MedTvoiLokony is not going to investigate. However, for those who happen to pass out or want to know how to minimize the risk of such an event, he provides a handful of useful information.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a decrease in the amount of blood flowing to the brain and therefore oxygen supply. It has a rapid onset, usually resolves spontaneously and quickly after about 20 seconds.

The first episode of fainting usually occurs between the ages of XNUMX and XNUMX. Most often it affects fifteen-year-olds, especially girls. Fainting is also more common in people over the age of sixty-five.

I think I’m going to pass out

It is enough for the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain to drop by 20% and such a situation may result in fainting. Usually it is preceded by dizziness, “spots in front of the eyes”, nausea, excessive sweating, a feeling of warmth, pale skin, visual and hearing disturbances. There are different causes of syncope. Most often, they result from the poor work of the vegetative nervous system, which is responsible, among others, for the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Cardiovascular disease is the second most common cause of syncope. On the other hand, a drop in blood pressure, resulting from a sudden change of position from lying to standing, is relatively rare. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to establish the cause of syncope.

Don’t stay too long

Reflex syncope accounts for more than 37% of all cases and is the most common type in young people. Among young people, they constitute about 90%. The trigger for this type of syncope is often prolonged standing. That’s why it happens at school during roll call or in church during mass. That is why – as doctors emphasize – walking is always better than standing. High temperature, emotional stress and physical exertion can also cause fainting. Occasionally it can happen when you pass stools or when you cough.

Beware of a heart attack or stroke

The cause of syncope may also be a drop in systolic blood pressure to 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg after standing. This may be because you are taking diuretics or vasodilators, you are drinking alcohol, are dehydrated, or you are old.

Conversely, loss of consciousness due to heart disease or disease begins suddenly, without any signs. Sometimes it is preceded by a feeling of palpitations. It could be a heart attack or an arrhythmia. Epilepsy is often the cause of syncope.

Then precede convulsions, involuntary urination or stool, and biting the tongue. Fainting can also be a sign of a stroke. It also happens if your blood sugar is too low. They can also be the result of drug poisoning, e.g. with antidepressants or drugs.

First aid

If we witness fainting indoors, it is best to open all windows and provide fresh air, or take the fainted person outside. You have to put him on his back and lift his legs up. Find out if he is breathing and put your fingers against his neck or wrists to check for a pulse. If the injured person is not breathing, start heart massage and call an ambulance.

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