Regarding the etymological origin of the term fainting that concerns us now, there are different theories. However, the one that is considered most accurate is the one that establishes that it derives from Old French. Specifically, it emanates from the word “esmaiier”, which can be translated as “faint”, “disturb” and even “disturb”.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) defines fainting as the absence of meaning or lack of strength . The term is usually used in reference to the disorder that, in medicine, is known as syncope : the abrupt loss of sensation and consciousness caused by a sudden and temporary interruption of cardiac activity , which causes blood to not reach the brain correctly.
A faint or syncope usually lasts a few minutes and usually allows the person to make a full recovery quickly. Before the episode occurs, it is common for the affected person to feel nauseated, feel weak, and suffer from vision and hearing problems.
Severe pain, stress , drug use, a drop in blood sugar, excessive heat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and hyperventilation are some of the most common causes of fainting. A stroke and heart disease can also cause this condition.
This variety of possible reasons makes explaining why a faint occurs sometimes very difficult. When someone faints, it is best to consult a doctor so that the professional can try to detect the reason and thus be able to act to prevent a new syncope.
When you are next to a person who has fainted, what you have to do is act without delay. Thus, first of all, it is necessary to proceed to lie it on the ground on its side. Afterwards, it will be necessary to check if you have a pulse and if you are breathing. And if a pulse cannot be found or if it is seen that he is not breathing, it will be necessary to be clear that he is suffering from cardiorespiratory arrest and that will require acting in a much more urgent way and following other techniques.
If it is found that he has these two vital signs, what will need to be done is to place his legs in such a way that they are raised and in a “v” shape as this will help him regain consciousness as soon as possible.
Of course, it is also essential that it is well ventilated, that is, that it receives air.
If it is important to know how to act when a person faints, it is also important to know what not to do. We are referring to the fact that she should not be left alone since, if she is not conscious, she should never be fed or watered.
Visiting a doctor, in this context, is always recommended in cases of fainting since, although it may be an exceptional situation and attributed to a specific event (such as suffering from a temperature of 40 ºC under the sun, for example) , is also a potential symptom of a serious problem.