(HealthDay News) — Fainting describes a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following triggers may cause fainting:
- The sudden onset of extreme distress or fear.
- Being in severe pain.
- Straining to have a bowel movement.
- Standing up for a long period.
- Excessive and forceful coughing.
- A rapid drop in blood pressure, which can be triggered by factors including dehydration, some medications, bleeding or standing up too quickly.
- Abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Having low blood sugar.
- Having a stroke or heart attack.