In literature, it is often possible to find references to how the ladies faint from excessive excitement and a corset-busted chest. Of course, such clothing items that impede breathing, as well as overly sensual upbringing, have been left in the past, but fainting with people still happen to this day. Let's try to figure out what is syncope, what are its causes, symptoms, and how to provide first aid.
Causes of loss of consciousness
Fainting is a short-term (from a few seconds to a few minutes) loss of consciousness, which can occur for various reasons. By itself, syncope is not a disease. Fainting occurs usually due to a violation of supply of the brain with oxygen.
In medicine, a syncope is called a syncopal condition (from the Greek word "syncope" meaning chopping), since with it the brain is "disconnected" for a short period of time.
The causes of loss of consciousness can be many, and among the most common it is worth mentioning:
- stress, nervous overstrain;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure ;
- physical exhaustion, hunger;
- overheating of the body;
- The lack of oxygen during long-term stay in a stuffy room;
- jumps of atmospheric pressure (with meteosensitivity).
With the reasons listed above, the case may be limited to first aid in case of syncope. But do not forget - if the cause of fainting is not exactly known, then it can be caused:
- blood loss;
- cardiovascular insufficiency;
- a number of acute and chronic diseases;
- craniocerebral trauma.
If you have reasons to assume one of these reasons or loss of consciousness lasts more than two minutes, after providing first aid before a faint, you should seek medical help.
Symptoms of loss of consciousness
A significant part of the signs that precede this state can be noticed by the person himself, but certain symptoms are observed after the loss of consciousness, from the side.
So a person can have:
- dizziness;
- tinnitus;
- darkening in the eyes;
- sensation of severe weakness;
- nausea, lack of air.
At the first signs of a presyncope it is recommended to lie down, as a seated or standing person may fall into a swoon, but not lying.
If a person is in a faint, and loss of consciousness can not be avoided, then most often observed:
- blanching of the skin;
- the appearance of cold sweat;
- rare, shallow breathing;
- weak pulse;
- low blood pressure.
Emergency treatment with syncope
The first help in losing consciousness is quite simple. If a person has fainted, then it is necessary:
- Lay it on a flat surface, preferably so that the legs are above the head, this will ensure blood flow to the brain.
- Provide fresh air (if stuffy in the room, open the window).
- Unbutton the victim's tight clothes (tie, collar, belt).
- Sprinkle face with water or wipe with a damp towel.
- In the presence of ammonia, allow to inhale the vapors (moisten cotton wool and hold it a couple of centimeters from the nose).
- If syncope is the result of overheating, you need
Move the person to a cool room, wipe with cold water, drink cold tea or a little salted water.
What can not be done with a loss of consciousness?
And in the end we will consider what it is forbidden to do with a loss of consciousness:
- To seat the victim or keep him in a vertical position, leaning against the wall;
- shaking, braking, making other sharp movements;
- Move the patient if there is reason to believe that a syncope is the result of an injury.