Fainting, a condition known as syncope, occurs when your child’s brain does not get enough oxygen due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. The act of fainting is a protective mechanism that, by forcing your child’s heart and head to lie on the same horizontal plane, helps restore blood flow to the brain. Although dizziness can precede fainting, fainting can occur without warning. Sudden fainting in your child can be alarming, but many causes of fainting are not dangerous and can be easily remedied. However, sudden fainting can be the sign of a serious health disorder; therefore, consult a health care provider if your child faints even once.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your child consumes insufficient fluids to meet her body’s needs. Lack of fluids causes a drop in blood pressure, which results in less blood and, therefore, less oxygen to the brain. Dehydration is the primary cause of sudden fainting in children, notes The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. You can counter this by ensuring your child drinks enough water each day. Increasing her salt intake to encourage her to drink more, and not allowing her to skip meals, can also help.
Anxiety
Psychological stress can cause your child to suddenly lose consciousness. Anxiety, such as that caused by a frightening experience or the sight of blood, can affect your child’s blood pressure and result in fainting. A stressful situation might cause him to hyperventilate, or breathe unnaturally quickly, to the point that he passes out. When your child suddenly faints due to emotional or psychological factors, the predominant danger is physical injury if he falls to the ground. Seek medical attention if, for example, he hits his head as he faints.
Blood Pooling
If your child sits or stands in one position for an extended period of time, blood can pool in the lower portion of her body. If she then stands up quickly, or otherwise moves rapidly, she may experience a lag in the blood reaching her brain until her blood pressure adjusts to her new body position. This action can cause her to faint suddenly. If this type of fainting happens to your child, encourage her to move frequently to maintain even blood flow throughout her body.
Physical Disorders
Cardiac disorders that cause your child to suddenly faint can be life threatening. Fainting can be an indication of a heart problem, particularly if your child complains of chest pain, has breathing difficulty, or an irregular heartbeat. Sudden fainting during physical exertion can be due to dehydration, but might also be a sign of an abnormal heart condition. With sudden fainting under these circumstances, consult your child’s physician immediately.
