You know this feeling well: dizziness, confusion, blurred vision and sweating. Put it all together and you know you're on the verge of passing out. Have you ever wondered if it is possible to prevent syncope before it happens? Surely. Whether you want to avoid it or help someone in this situation, it only takes a few quick remedies to remedy it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Avoid Fainting
Step 1. Keep your blood sugar and sodium levels high
Simply put, the brain needs sugar, while the body needs water. To prevent the body and mind from going haywire, the hydro-saline level and blood sugar must be stable. Therefore, it is advisable to drink some fruit juice and eat a small packet of pretzels. You will immediately feel better.
- It may seem a little strange to you that the body needs salt to stay hydrated, but it's true. Water concentrates where salt is present: if you don't have enough in your body, fluids won't stay in your blood vessels.
- Additionally, pretzels and crackers relieve nausea, one of the most common causes of fainting.
Step 2. Cool off
Overheating can also promote fainting. If you find yourself in a hot, stuffy environment and your head starts to spin, your body is asking you out. Consider the following ideas to freshen up:
- If you can, take off some clothing;
- Go to a less crowded area (this way, you won't collapse on others);
- Go to a window or door to get some air.
- Sprinkle some cool water on your face and drink a refreshing drink.
Step 3. Drink water
Although sugary drinks are ideal for stimulating the brain when energy is low, the whole body needs to hydrate by drinking still, unflavored water. You probably already know how much you consume. If you pass out regularly, you may not be replenishing your lost fluids properly.
In theory, your urine should be clear, or nearly so, and you should empty your bladder every 3-4 hours. If it is very yellow or you are passing urine, drink more water. If you don't like it, unsweetened tea and fruit juices are just as good
Step 4. Lie down and don't get up abruptly
If you are about to pass out, lie down. Stay in this position for at least 15 minutes. As soon as you feel better, get up slowly. When you stand, you force the blood to overcome the force of gravity so that it can reach the brain. If you get up suddenly, the blood supply to your head is insufficient, the brain becomes confused and you pass out. In these cases, move slowly, especially when getting out of bed.
This advice is even more important if you have just passed out. When you feel weak or dizzy, move slowly and carefully. The body is telling you that it doesn't want to be tossed around. Give him a break and lie down
Step 5. Check your breathing
When you are anxious, you tend to get wheezy and hyperventilate. If you lose control of the situation, your brain stops receiving oxygen, so you won't breathe deeply enough to understand what you need. If you think fainting is due to nervousness, focus on your breathing and slow your heart rate to relieve anxiety.
- Count as you breathe: inhale for 6 seconds and exhale for 8. After a few repetitions, you will find that your anxiety begins to subside.
- Also, by focusing on your breath, you will be distracted from anything that makes you nervous. This is another reason that allows you to calm down more easily.
Step 6. Test visualization if anxiety favors fainting
Choose a place or situation that gives you calm and tranquility, such as a beach or park. As soon as you feel that anxiety is taking over, imagine your favorite scenario.
Try to view it in as much detail as possible. Focus on the sights, smells, noises and even certain flavors
Step 7. Avoid triggers
Blood sugar, salt intake, heat, and dehydration greatly affect the risk of fainting, but in most cases they are not a cause for concern. However, there are other factors that can favor this phenomenon in certain individuals. Avoid the ones you are most sensitive to. Tell friends and doctors so they are prepared. Many things can trigger a faint, but here are the most common:
- Alcohol. In some people the effect of alcohol is so bad that it makes them faint because it triggers a vasodilation that leads to a drop in blood pressure.
- Needles, blood, wounds and associated phobias. In some individuals, the sight of such objects and situations stimulates the vagus nerve to the extent that it promotes vasodilation, slows the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure and, consequently, causes fainting.
- Strong emotions. Fear and anxiety can impair breathing and lower blood pressure, but also have other side effects that can cause fainting.
Step 8. Consider changing the medications you are taking
Certain medications involve fainting and dizziness among the side effects. If you have started taking a new medicine and have been on the verge of fainting, consult your doctor to ask him to replace it. It could be the cause of your discomfort.
- If it is not vital, stop taking it to prevent further episodes. Then, go to your doctor to find out if they can prescribe another medication.
- Typically, fainting is not a serious reaction. However, if this happens, you risk getting hurt by falling. This is the main reason why it is important to switch medications if possible.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Someone Else From Fainting
Step 1. Invite him to sit or lie down
The brain needs blood and oxygen to function properly. If you see a pale-faced person complaining of lightheadedness and fatigue, have them lie down in an open place - they are probably on the verge of fainting.
If there is no place for her to lie down, help her sit with her head between her knees. This position is not as ideal as fully lying down, but it should lessen the urge to faint, at least immediately
Step 2. Make sure it gets enough air
It is not uncommon for someone to pass out in crowds due to the heat and poor air circulation. If he is about to pass out, take him to a well-ventilated open area where the temperature isn't too high and the air isn't heavy.
- If you are stuck in a room and there are not many alternatives, have him approach an open door or window. A breath of air is enough to avoid the risk of fainting, even if it is still too hot to permanently relieve the illness.
- Remove anything that tightens the body, such as ties, belts, and shoes.
Step 3. Offer fruit juice and crackers
The brain recovers with salt and sugar. This person is very likely to need to rehydrate and regain energy, so a lightly sweetened drink and a small amount of salt are ideal for getting the brain back on its feet. If necessary, help her drink and eat - she may not have enough strength.
Salt is an ally of hydration. When it is present, the body sends water. If there is no water, it does not enter the cells to rebalance the salt concentration
Step 4. Ask him a few questions
This way, you can assess what caused the fainting, offer appropriate help, and contact his family. Think about the information you will need once he passes out.
- Ask him when he last ate, if he is pregnant (if it were a woman) and if he suffers from any pathology to possibly communicate to the doctor who helps him.
- Ask if they have the phone number of a relative or close friend.
Step 5. Help her stay calm
It is easy for a person to get scared the first time they feel the sensation of fainting. Your eyesight may become blurred, the ability to listen also fails and you have difficulty standing. This phase may last a few minutes before the actual fainting or before the feeling of losing consciousness disappears. Explain that he may be on the verge of passing out, but that he will be fine once he passes.
Reassure her that it's not dangerous to pass out. As long as it doesn't hit your head (and you'll make sure it doesn't), it should recover after a few minutes
Step 6. Stand by the person who is about to pass out and ask someone else to get help
If a person is about to pass out, stand near them to grab them if they fall. Don't leave her to seek help unless absolutely necessary. It also needs moral support.
- Rather, he stops someone, even a stranger who passes within 15 meters. Tell him you are rescuing an unconscious person and ask him if he can call an ambulance.
- You should always call the emergency room, even if you feel like he's recovering because fainting can indicate internal bleeding or a serious health problem.
- In addition to calling an ambulance, anyone who helps you should bring some water and something to nibble on.
Part 3 of 3: Dealing with a Faint
Step 1. Get down on whatever happens
You can skip all the steps outlined so far, but if you lie down you will be better off. If you move consciously, everything will be fine. If you do this unconsciously, you could get very hurt. So, lying down is the main rule.
So what's the main rule? Lie down on the ground. You will avoid getting hurt and in this way you could arouse the attention of those around you. Plus, once you lie down, you'll be much more comfortable
Step 2. Tell someone to ask for help
If you are in school or in a public place, tell the person close to you that you are about to pass out and ask them to help you. Afterward, lie down on the ground. At this point, someone should bring you some water and something to eat and help you handle the situation.
Step 3. Get away from anything that could hurt you
You will probably have about a minute (depending on the illness) to realize that you are losing consciousness. At this time, try to go to an open area where you have the opportunity to lie down.
Whatever you are doing, walk away from the stairs. If you pass out, you could fall and get very hurt. The same goes for the sharp edges of tables and desks
Step 4. Contract your arm and leg muscles
Typically, fainting is caused by poor blood circulation to the brain. By contracting the muscles in the limbs, you will increase your blood pressure and consequently decrease the risk of fainting. Try to do this before you totally lose consciousness and generally to raise your blood pressure.
- Squat down (keeping your balance against a wall, just in case) and contract your leg muscles repeatedly.
- Squeeze your hands tightly and contract your arm muscles repeatedly.
- If you are sitting, cross your legs. It is recommended for people who faint frequently when they have to have blood drawn.
- Try these exercises a few times: if they are not effective, lie down on the ground.
Step 5. Consider the orthostatic posture
People who often faint from medication can physically prepare to fight this feeling. The orthostatic posture is a fairly common maneuver that consists of leaning against a wall with the heels 15 cm apart. Hold this position for about 5 minutes without moving. Somehow, the brain tends to "heal itself" preventing syncope.
- Do this exercise by gradually increasing the time, until you stay in position for 20 minutes without feeling like you are going to pass out. Practice to prevent further episodes. This method does not serve to manage them immediately.
- Keep in mind that it's not normal to pass out often from certain medications. In these cases, consult your doctor to find out if he can prescribe another therapy for you.
Step 6. Munch on something salty, like crackers
If you have the strength, grab a salty snack. Alternatively, ask someone close to you if they can buy it (explain that you feel faint). If this happens often, always have a snack on hand just in case.
It is not a bad idea to drink some water or fruit juice. The body needs hydration, so salty snacks accompanied by a drink are ideal
Step 7. See your doctor if you faint frequently
A single episode can be a case, but multiple times it could indicate a serious health problem. Don't hesitate to go to the doctor.
Advice
- Fainting is usually caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain.
- You should seek medical attention if you lose consciousness repeatedly and continuously.
- Fainting occurs mostly when you get up abruptly, are dehydrated, take certain medications, or feel a strong emotion.
- Sucking on barley sugar candy raises your blood sugar. Before any circumstances in which you might faint, consider this possibility.
- Despite the methods outlined in this article, you may feel a little lightheaded, so another useful maneuver to avoid fainting is to lie down on the floor and lift your feet for a couple of minutes. You can also kneel, cross your legs, and tuck your head between your knees.
- The trick is to allow the blood to flow to the head. Make your face turn red.
Warnings
- If you have other symptoms, such as headache, back pain, chest pain, wheezing, abdominal pain, weakness or other ailments, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you feel faint while driving, pull over to a safe place.
- Many people get badly injured due to fainting in the bathroom late at night. Lowering blood pressure is one of the most likely causes. Install a night light in the bathroom, get out of bed slowly and sit down when using the toilet.
