On the etymological origin of the term fainting that now concerns us, there are different theories. However, the one that is considered more accurate is the one that comes to establish that it derives from the old French. Specifically, it emanates from the word “esmaiier”, which can be translated as “fainting”, “disturbing” and even “perturbing”.
The dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines fainting as the absence of meaning or lack of strength. The term is often used with reference to the disorder known in medicine 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 properly.
A faint or fainting spell usually lasts a few minutes and usually allows the person to fully recover quickly. Before the episode occurs, it is common for the affected person to have nausea, feel weak and have problems with their vision and hearing.
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 probable reasons makes explaining why fainting occurs sometimes very difficult. When someone faints, it is best to see a doctor so that the professional tries 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 lay it on the ground on its side. Afterwards, it will be necessary to proceed to check if he has a pulse and if he is breathing. And it is that if the pulse is not found or if it is seen that he is not breathing, it will be necessary to be clear that he suffers a cardiorespiratory arrest and that will require acting in a much more urgent way and following other techniques.
If it is verified that he has these two vital signs, what will be necessary to do is to put his legs in such a way that they are raised and in a “v” shape, as this will help him recover 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 during a person’s fainting, it is also important to know what not to do. We are referring to the fact that you should not leave her alone since, if she is not conscious, you should never feed or drink her.
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 having a temperature of 40ºC under the sun, for example) , is also a potential symptom of a serious problem.
