What is fainting?
Fainting (syncope) is defined as falling down and being
unconscious for a short time (usually less than 1 minute). The four most
common causes are sudden stress (for example, seeing a bad accident), severe
pain, prolonged standing in one position with the knees locked, or sudden
standing up (especially after bed rest). Children who have fainted from such
causes recover quickly after lying down for a few minutes.
How can I take care of my
child?
Have your child lie down for 10 to 15 minutes with his feet
elevated. Put a cold washcloth on his forehead. Offer your child a glass of
fruit juice after he is conscious. If the fainting was due to stress or fear,
help your child talk about it. Smelling salts are unpleasant and not needed.
How can I help prevent
fainting?
To prevent recurrent fainting, make sure your child drinks
lots of water and gets enough salt in his diet every day.
To prevent fainting caused by standing too long, explain to
your child that keeping the knees locked interferes with recirculation of the
blood. If your child must stand for long periods of time, he should pump the
blood by repeatedly relaxing and retightening the leg muscles.
To prevent fainting that occurs when your child stands up
suddenly, make sure your child sits up and takes some deep breaths before
standing up.
Also, feeling faint at any time or place is a warning to sit
or lie down quickly.
When should I call my child's
health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
