Fainting or syncope is a frightening experience. Inadequate blood circulation to the brain often results in loss of consciousness and fainting. However, you can take steps to safely pass out. First of all, pay close attention to the early signs of fainting, such as feeling dizzy. Then, immediately sit or lie down. Ask others for help, and take time to recuperate afterward. Consulting a doctor to determine a fainting treatment plan will also help.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Taking Steps When You Have Early Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out for dizziness
You may feel a little or very dizzy right before you pass out. This indicates that your circulatory system is not functioning normally. When you start to feel dizzy, stop everything you are doing and then sit down or lie down.
Step 2. Watch for changes in vision and hearing
Your sensory functions may also be affected a few minutes before you pass out. You may lose your field of vision until your eyes are focused as if you were being shrouded in a long hallway. You may also see freckles, or your vision becomes blurry. Your ears may feel ringing or like a slight thumping.
Other common symptoms are a pale, sweaty face, a numbness sensation in the face and exterior, a feeling of extreme anxiety, or sudden nausea and abdominal pain
Step 3. Immediately sit or lie down
When you start to feel the symptoms of fainting, try to lower your body position as soon as possible. Many people suffer serious injuries not from fainting, but from falling to the floor due to loss of consciousness. So, it's best to lie on your back or on your side. However, if this position is not possible, sit down.
- During lying down, the head position will be more parallel to the heart so that blood circulation will improve and blood can flow smoothly to the brain. If you are pregnant, you should lie down (and sleep) on your side to reduce the burden on your heart.
- However, if the atmosphere around is so crowded that you can only sit down, sit down. To maximize the effect, rest your head on your thighs. This position will encourage blood to flow following the force of gravity towards the brain.
Step 4. Find a spacious place
When in a crowd, you should lean against a wall. If necessary, lower your body slowly while still leaning against the wall. Thus, your body will not be stepped on when it falls to the floor. Staying away from crowds may also lower body temperature and improve breathing.
Step 5. Try to faint against the wall
If it's too late for you to lie down slowly, try as much as possible to direct your body as you fall unconscious. When you start to lose consciousness, try your best to turn your body against a wall that is within your reach. This way, your body will slide down the wall and not fall freely.
You can also bend your knees. This position can slightly lower the body to the floor, thereby reducing the height you fall
Step 6. Be careful when standing on the stairs
If you feel faint when you are on the stairs, stay away from the outside handrail and move closer to the wall. Sit on the steps. If you are nearing the ground floor, try to shift your sitting position to a place that allows you to lie down.
If you feel unsteady before you can sit down, try your best to hold on tight. By holding on, your body will drop towards the floor even though you have lost consciousness. If you can't do anything else, simply lean some of your body against the banister (against the wall) to slow down your fall so you can slide down
Step 7. Ask someone for help
Shout for help. If you can't speak loudly, wave your hand in the air and say "please" over and over. Be careful when walking towards someone for help as you may faint while walking.
- If you meet someone, say "Help! I'm about to pass out!", or "Can you help me? I think I'm about to pass out". Don't be afraid to approach strangers who might be able to help you.
- If you're lucky enough to get help from someone else, he or she will help you sit on the floor while you're still standing. If you fall and get injured, he will press on the part of your body that is bleeding and seek medical attention.
- The person helping you should also remove tight clothing that can block blood flow to the head, such as a tie. He or she will also need to make sure and keep your airway clear and may need to tilt your body if you vomit. Your respiratory signs should also be monitored, even if you are unconscious. If there is anything concerning him, he should immediately call emergency services and wait for help to arrive.
Method 2 of 3: Recovering After Fainting
Step 1. Lie on the floor for a few moments
Do not rush to get up after fainting. Your body and mind need time to recover. You should stay lying on the floor for at least 10-15 minutes. Waking up too soon risks triggering you to pass out again.
Step 2. Elevate your legs if you can
Ordinary fainting can generally be overcome by elevating the sufferer's legs. While lying on the floor, try to elevate your legs if possible. Instead, elevate your feet above your head. However, elevating just a little is enough. When lying down, try putting a jacket on to support your legs on your own (or with the help of someone else). This position will increase blood flow to the head and speed up the recovery process.
Step 3. Breathe deeply
While waiting to be able to stand again, take a deep breath. Fill your lungs by inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. If you are in a tight or hot place, pay close attention to your breathing until you can escape to a more spacious place.
Step 4. Drink plenty of fluids
One of the causes of fainting is dehydration. So, to prevent you from fainting again, drink plenty of water as soon as you can stand up or throughout the rest of the day. Stay away from alcoholic drinks after fainting because it can further dehydrate your body and make your condition worse.
Step 5. Eat small meals several times a day
Eating more often and always on time can help prevent you from fainting. Try to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day, not just 2-3 times in large portions.
Step 6. Avoid alcohol intake
Alcohol can increase the risk of fainting. So, if you are prone to fainting, you should avoid alcohol intake. However, if you can't avoid it altogether, make sure to drink sparingly, i.e. no more than one drink a day for women of all ages and men over 65, and no more than two drinks a day for men under 65..
Step 7. Watch your medications
Some medicines can cause dizziness and fainting. Ask your doctor what medications can cause these symptoms. Some blood pressure lowering drugs should be taken before bed to prevent fainting.
Step 8. Reduce your activities
Understand that your body needs time to recover. So, rest after fainting. Be sure to walk slowly with caution. You also probably shouldn't exercise for about 24 hours after passing out. Try to reduce stress by putting off important tasks until tomorrow.
Do things that relax you, like come home and take a bath. Or sit on the couch and watch football
Step 9. Call emergency services if necessary
If you still have other symptoms when you wake up from fainting, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, you or someone who helps you should call the emergency department immediately. Shortness of breath and chest pain signal a more serious health problem. So, you should be checked at the hospital.
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Yourself Later
Step 1. Consult a doctor
Whether it's your first time or if you've passed out repeatedly, it's a good idea to make an appointment to consult this matter. The doctor will determine if other measures are needed so that you can be calmer going forward. Your doctor may also ask you to watch for certain signs other than fainting, such as thirst.
- The doctor may recommend certain tests such as blood sugar tests, routine blood tests to detect anemia and nutritional levels, and an EKG (to check for problems with the heart). All of these tests are in support of the standard diagnosis.
- Your doctor may also limit your activities until the cause of the fainting is known. You may be asked not to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
- It may be helpful to take notes on observations of people who have seen you pass out. In addition, you are also unconscious for some time passed out. That way, the record of the person who saw it can complement symptoms you didn't know about.
Step 2. Take the preventive medicine
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you recover, as well as prevent fainting in the future. These drugs are usually given to treat the cause of fainting. For example, corticosteroids can increase fluid in the body by increasing sodium levels.
Make sure to follow how to use the medicine properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of exacerbating the fainting attack
Step 3. Get enough fluids and food
This advice is general in nature, but can be especially helpful if you've fainted before. Bring small snacks that are rich in sugar and salt. For example, drink fruit juice or eat fruit. This step helps prevent blood sugar levels from dropping excessively which is a common cause of fainting.
Step 4. Use supplements or herbs
Prioritize substances that can improve blood circulation and improve overall heart health. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are great for reducing inflammation in the body so blood can flow more efficiently. You can also use herbal plants such as green tea which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Discuss the use of all types of supplements and herbs with your doctor to prevent interactions with the drugs you are taking or annoying side effects
Step 5. Put on the ID bracelet
You may have seen this bracelet before. You can get this bracelet easily from a doctor or by ordering it via the internet. This identification bracelet contains information on your name, health status, emergency contact number, and allergies. Using this bracelet is a great move especially if you faint frequently or plan to travel.
Step 6. Use relaxation techniques
Fainting can also be caused by an emotional event or stress. Learn how to control your body's reactions by practicing deep breathing techniques. Some people even recommend hypnosis to reduce stress and control blood pressure.
Step 7. Put on elastic stockings
These stockings can help improve circulation by encouraging blood flow from the legs back to the heart and brain. However, avoid wearing a corset, or other tight clothing that can block blood flow back to the heart.
Step 8. Change body position slowly
Standing up too quickly from sitting or lying down can cause fainting. So try to change your position slowly to help prevent fainting.
For example, sit on the edge of the bed before getting up in the morning
Step 9. Keep your blood circulating
Get in the habit of tightening your leg muscles and wiggling your toes when sitting or standing regularly. This step will help improve circulation and reduce the workload of the heart. Swinging your feet slightly from right to left is also quite helpful when standing.
You can also wear compression stockings, which can increase blood flow from the lower body to the top and head
Step 10. Avoid fainting-inducing situations
After fainting, find out the possible cause by contacting a doctor. You may have to avoid seeing blood or it may be overheating. Standing for long periods of time may also cause problems for your body. Or maybe, when you're scared you'll pass out. Recognizing the trigger situations for fainting allows you to actively avoid them.
Tips
- There are no routine examinations that are specifically recommended for people who frequently faint. However, the doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram to make sure there are no problems with the heart, such as arrhythmias.
- Your doctor may also suggest fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, electrolytes, and thyroid function tests based on your specific condition.
- Sleep with the head of the bed elevated.
- Follow a certain exercise program to improve body condition.
- Tell the teacher if you think you might pass out at school for help.
- Fainting can be caused by a sudden change in body position. So instead of getting up right away when you get out of bed, sit for a while before getting up.
