Care Advice
Fainting Treatment
What You Should Know About Simple Fainting:
- Fainting is common and happens in 15% of teens.
- Standing too long in one place is the most common cause of fainting. It's caused by blood pooling in the legs.
- Standing up quickly after lying down can cause anyone to feel dizzy. If your child doesn't sit down when this happens, he may faint.
- These are normal types of fainting.
- Simple fainting doesn't cause any long-term problems.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Lie Down:
- Lie down flat with the feet up for 10 minutes.
- Reason: this will increase blood flow to the brain. Simple fainting is due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain.
- Caution: getting up too soon can cause your child to faint again.
Drink Some Water:
- Give your child a large glass of water. Reason: to increase blood volume.
- Do this before he stands up again.
- Offer fruit juice if your child hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Reason: also raises blood sugar.
- In hot weather, drink extra water to stay hydrated.
Ease Stress:
- If fainting was due to stress or fear, help your child talk about what happened.
- Talk about what scared them.
- Try to calm your child with a soothing voice.
- Comfort them. Tell them they are safe and you will protect them.
What to Expect:
- Most children with a simple faint are alert within 2 minutes.
- They feel normal after lying down for 10 minutes.
- They are able to stand without feeling dizzy.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Still feeling faint or dizzy after 15 minutes
- Passes out again on the same day
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Prevent Simple Fainting
When Dizzy, Lie Down or Sit Down:
- Most fainting can be prevented.
- Learn the early warning signs for fainting. They are feeling dizzy, blurry vision, and nausea.
- If you feel these warning signs, lie down right away.
- If you can only sit, put your head down by your knees.
- You only have 5 - 10 seconds to prevent fainting and falling down.
Move Your Leg Muscles:
- If long standing in one place is needed, tighten and relax your leg muscles. Do this a few times each minute. This will pump the blood back to your heart. Caution: never stand with your knees locked.
- For long sitting in one place, move your feet and legs every few minutes.
- When getting out of bed, sit on the edge for a few minutes before standing. If you feel dizzy, lie down again.
- If getting out of a hot tub or bath, go very slowly.
Extra Water and Salty Foods:
- If you tend to faint, extra water and salt are key.
- Drink extra fluids every day. Your goal is 8 cups (2 liters) per day. You may need more during sports or hot weather.
- Add some salty foods to your diet. Too little salt in your diet also isn't healthy. It can cause low blood pressure.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Fainting is a frequent problem
- You have other questions or concerns
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.