Should You Go To The Doctor After Fainting? Here's How To Tell.

Summer’s in full swing, and the hot, sweltering days might make some people more prone to fainting. Fainting, also known by the medical term syncope, is a momentary loss of consciousness caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. It can strike anyone, and it’s fairly common. Researchers estimate that anywhere between 15 and 39 percent of people will experience fainting at least once in their life, but people who take certain medications may be more prone to feeling dizzy, weak and eventually passing out. Still others may be more prone to fainting for genetic reasons.  Syncope can be caused by a wide variety of different conditions, but generally resolves on its own with no harm to the person who fainted. Read on for five common reasons we faint, what we should do if it happens to us or someone nearby, and the warning signs for more serious conditions. You may have fainted because... 1. You’re dehydrated Because fainting is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, dehydration can up your risk for fainting. It decreases blood volume, which in turn lowers blood pressure. To avoid dehydration in the summer time, drink lots of water and pace yourself if you’re drinking alcohol. Booze further dehydrates your body, which is why large amounts of alcohol and sun are a recipe for fainting. 2. You’ve been standing for a long time Every wedding season, a few news stories surface of a bridesmaid so overwhelmed by the ceremony that she faints at ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news