Illness name: fainting

  • Original languages: English

Description:

Fainting

Fainting is when you pass out for a short time.

It's not usually a sign of something serious, but if it happens you should see a GP.

Causes of fainting

There are many reasons why someone might faint.

Causes include:

  • standing up too quickly – this could be a sign of low blood pressure
  • not eating or drinking enough
  • being too hot
  • being very upset, angry or in severe pain
  • heart problems
  • taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol

Symptoms of fainting

Fainting usually happens suddenly. Symptoms can include:

  • dizziness
  • cold skin and sweating
  • feeling warm or hot
  • feeling sick
  • changes to your vision

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you have fainted

It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s important to get checked by a GP to find out what might have caused it.

Information:

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you're fainting regularly as it could affect your ability to drive.

Find out how to tell the DVLA about fainting (syncope) or blackouts on GOV.UK

You must not drive if your GP has referred you to a specialist and you are waiting to be assessed.

Things you can do to prevent fainting

If you feel like you're about to faint, try to:

  • lie down with your legs raised – if you cannot do this, then sit with your head lowered between your knees
  • drink some water
  • eat something
  • take some deep breaths

If you see someone faint

If you're with someone who has fainted, try to keep calm.

If you can, lay them on their back and raise their legs.

If they’re pregnant (especially if they’re more than 28 weeks pregnant), it’s better to lay them on their side.

Usually, the person who has fainted will wake up within 20 seconds.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

Someone faints and they:

  • are not breathing
  • cannot be woken up within 1 minute
  • have not fully recovered or have difficulty with speech or movement
  • have chest pain or a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations)
  • have seriously hurt themselves
  • are shaking or jerking because of a seizure or fit
  • fainted while exercising
  • fainted while lying down

Page last reviewed: 23 February 2023
Next review due: 23 February 2026