Blume explains, “One can see this from problems involving abnormal gastrointestinal function, such as when one’s autonomic nervous system (the part of your nervous system that works without you thinking about it) - specifically the parasympathetic nervous system - function is abnormal, where one can get dizzy after eating. He continues, “This is a nonspecific symptom and can be related to metabolic or neurologic issues.” Getting dizzy when eating can have a number of causes.ĭr. “One needs to remember that just because you are having gastrointestinal symptoms, does not necessarily mean that this is from a gastrointestinal problem,” says Michael Blume, MD, a gastroenterologist at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore. Non-cardiac causes of dizziness while eating are many. If you've fainted, you should avoid driving or operating any machinery until you have discussed your fainting with a healthcare professional.If it’s not your heart, what can be causing dizziness while you eat?Įating should be an enjoyable experience, not something you dread because it causes you to feel dizzy. Drink plenty of clear fluid, unless you have an existing medical condition which means this is not possible. If you're pregnant, avoid lying on your back, especially during the later months of pregnancy, because the pressure of your expanding uterus (womb) on your major blood vessels may cause you to feel faint.Įating a healthy diet and not missing meals can help. Be careful when moving and change positions very slowly, especially when moving from a lying or standing position If you're feeling faint, lie down with your legs raised slightly higher than your head. Putting their head between their knees and splashing water on their face won't work. When they are conscious, lie them on their back and raise their legs, for example by putting a pillow underneath. Do not get one yourself if that would mean leaving the patient alone. Start chest compressions as soon as possible after calling for help.Īttach an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the patient if one is available and there is someone else who is able to bring it. Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR. If they are still not breathing normally, start CPR. If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and stay with them. Remove any obvious blockages in the mouth or nose, such as vomit, blood, food or loose teeth, then gently tilt their head back and lift their chin.Ĭheck if the person is breathing abnormally or not breathing at all after 10 seconds. Do not leave the patient.Ĭheck their mouth and throat is clear. If there is no response, phone triple zero (000) or ask another person to call. Look for a response from the patient - loudly ask their name, squeeze their shoulder. DRSABCD ACTION PLAN LetterĮnsure that the patient and everyone in the area is safe. If you see someone faint, loosen any tight clothing and get them some fresh air. exposure to sights you find unpleasant, such as the sight of blood.In some people, fainting is caused by a temporary glitch in the autonomic nervous system that regulates your heart rate and blood pressure. changes to your blood pressure, especially when you stand up.There are a number of things that can cause you to faint, including: altered vision, such as blurring and seeing spots or lightsĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the collapse and fainting Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.changes to your breathing, such as breathing faster and deeply.took longer than a few minutes to regain consciousnessīefore fainting, it’s common to experience some of the following:.have diabetes or heart disease, or if you had chest pains or palpitations before you fainted.have injured yourself - especially if you hit your head.It's always worth checking with your doctor, especially if you haven't fainted before. Fainting can be the sign of a medical condition, like a heart or brain disorder. People normally recover quickly after fainting. Related information on Australian websitesįainting, also called syncope, is a period of temporary loss of consciousness that happens when the blood flow to the brain is reduced.If you don’t know whether someone is fainting or is having a serious incident like a cardiac arrest, follow DRSABCD.
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