May also be called: Syncope; Swooning; Passing Out
More to Know
In most cases, fainting
— or syncope (SIN-ko-pee) — is not a sign of a dangerous problem.
Causes
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. It happens when not enough blood
reaches the brain due to a fall in blood pressure.
Common causes include dehydration,
a quick change in position, standing or sitting still for a long period, becoming
overheated, hyperventilation (overbreathing), low
blood sugar, anemia, sudden
fear of something (for example, the sight of blood), and some heart problems.
Most cases have warning signs (such as a change in vision, dizziness, nausea, or
stomach pain) that happen a few seconds before passing out.
Treatment
Fainting in children, especially teens, is common but shouldn't be ignored. Discuss
it with your doctor, especially if it happens during exertion (exercising, running,
etc.) or happens often.
Keep in Mind
When warning signs of fainting happen, quickly sitting down, dropping the head
between the knees, or lying down on the floor may help avoid a loss of consciousness.
Then, gradually get up after the dizzy feeling has passed.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical
experts.
