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Fainting

Fainting image
Parent Issue
Day
3
Month
June
Year
1898
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

Fainting, or syuoope, is a temporary loss of consciousuess, oocurring with tnfeebled and retarded action of the heart, as wanifested by a slow and alïnost imperceptible pulse, extreae pallor of the face, especially the lips, and a coldness and lividity of the hands and feet. The attack of unconsciousness is generally preceded by a feeliug of slight nausea, a swimming before the eyes, noises in the ears, a fnllnessof the head and an indescribable feeling of "all goneness, " of the extreme wretchedness of which no one eau have any idea who has not experienced it in his own pursou. . AThe voices of those aronnd gradually becouiet indistinct, objects grow dim, the bréáthing is oppressed, and flnally darkness closes iu, the muscles relax, and the sufferer passes into that mysterious and awe inspiring state called unconscionsness. This lasts for a variable period and then the mind gradually resnmes itssupremacy, the patiënt coming again into possession of bis suspended faculties, like one raised from the dead rather than like one aroused from slumber. In its essence the act of fainting is merely a syruptom of ansernia of the brain, with which is associated a greatly weakened action of the heart, both dependent npon some usually disagreeable impression from without, such as the sight of blood, an uupleasant or very powrf til odor, a sudden fright, pain, oppressive heat of the atmosphere, the receipt of bad news, less often a great and sudden joy, and the like. Young women, people in delicate health, the nervous and snfferers from heart disease are more prone to syncope than others, yet fainting may occur in the strongest men' from the effect of slight causes. Were it uot so familiar a sight a person in a faint would fill the bystanders with terror, so closely does the condition simúlate death, but fortunately the state is one usually of short duration. The patiënt sbould be placed flat on the back, with no pillow or support under the head. Those not in immediate attendance should keep at a distance, and fresh air should be admitted freely. Theclothing should be loosened about the neck and the waist, the face should be fanned, and respiration should be stimulated by flipping a few drops of cold water on the face and chest. The bare chest and arms may also be slapped with a wet towel. Smelling salts may be held cautiously under the iiose or a few grains of pepper blown into the nostrils. Any ordinary swoon should quickly yield to these simple measurea

Article

Subjects
Ann Arbor Argus
Old News