Discomfort is a broad term that can be defined as feeling that the body is malfunctioning. Feeling unwell can lead to loss of muscle tone or loss of consciousness.

Discomfort is defined as a pronounced state of discomfort, a feeling of dysfunction in the body or a feeling of significant discomfort. It translates into disturbances in vigilance and consciousness, which can lead to:

• either to loss of muscle tone, called hypotonia;
• either to a transient loss of consciousness.

Discomfort usually appears suddenly. If its development is gradual, the discomfort evolves very quickly, in a few minutes. A discomfort is limited in time. Its intensity is variable and depends above all on its origin.

Behind the word malaise, we can distinguish:

• Lipothymic discomfort: Fainting is characterized by a feeling of discomfort without loss of consciousness. Suddenly and transient, a lipothymic discomfort usually manifests itself as a feeling of dizziness.
• La syncope : It indicates a malaise accompanied by a brief, brutal and total loss of consciousness. Syncope is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
• Le vagal discomfort or vasovial syncope: This form of syncope is one of the most frequent short-term loss of knowledge. Vagal discomfort is due to an imbalance between the parasympathetic nervous system allowing the heart rate to be slowed down and the sympathetic nervous system allowing it to speed up.
• Convulsive seizures: The discomfort is accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness, a fall and convulsions.

The occurrence of discomfort can be favored by certain factors such as:

• stress, anxiety, anxiety, panic ;
• a state of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemic discomfort);
• emotional shock (emotional discomfort);
• phobias ;
• strong heat ;
• the dehydration ;
• taking certain medications ;

tiredness.

Discomfort may be due to the development of a disease:

• cardiovascular origin, especially during a stroke (heart disease);
• neurological origin, especially during epileptic seizures (epileptic malaise).

Given the different forms of discomfort, everyone is concerned by the risk of discomfort. However, some people are more at risk, such as:

• seniors ;
• pregnant women ;
• people with high blood pressure;
• people with epilepsy.

Although discomfort is transient, it can have long-term consequences. These can impact different organs. The occurrence and severity of these consequences depend in particular on the origin of the discomfort, the associated symptoms, and whether or not a loss of consciousness has occurred. The risk of complications is higher in the event of repeated discomfort and seizures. Medical advice and examinations are necessary.

Depending on the case and the person, discomfort can result in different symptoms such as:

• sensations of rotation, displacement or even instability;
• more or less intense weakness;
• hot flashes;
• nausea ;
• pallor;
• sweats;
• vision disturbances;
• hearing problems;
• brief loss of consciousness;
• a fall ;
• convulsions;
• etc.

When unwell without loss of consciousness, it is advisable to sit or lie down until the feeling of discomfort dissipates. In the majority of cases, vagal discomfort is not serious, except for the fall which may present a risk. It is also advisable to treat the origin of this discomfort to limit the recurrence of this discomfort. A rapid supply of glucose is for example recommended in the event of hypoglycaemic discomfort.

Any discomfort may require urgent medical attention. This is particularly the case when the discomfort is accompanied by:

• loss of consciousness.
• convulsions;
• other painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, pallor, or sweating.

The occurrence of certain discomforts can be avoided by certain preventive measures:

• adopt a healthy and balanced diet;
• maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• engage in regular physical activity;
• limit stressors.