Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Syncope Blackouts?
Question: My wife was at lunch, began feeling ill, and went to the rest room. She said she passed out and thinks she may have vomited and inhaled some vomit. She is hearing "squeaky noises" when she breathes. Is there likely to be a problem?
Brief Answer:
Cause for the syncope attack should be determined
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on this description, its likely to be a syncope attack. The aspirated vomit contents can cause respiratory tract irritation and inflammation. The cause for the fainting attack or syncope needs to be determined on priority basis. An EKG should be done to look for a cardiac cause such as an arrhythmia. Blood counts and metabolic profile including electrolytes, blood sugar should be advised. Blood pressure measurement and fever should also be documented. If there is considerable aspiration due to a prolonged unconsciousness phase then antibiotics can be prescribed. An epileptic attack can also be a possibility if there was associate tongue bite , jerking movements , frothing from the mouth and urinary incontinence. The workup would remain the same in addition to an EEG after stabilization.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Cause for the syncope attack should be determined
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on this description, its likely to be a syncope attack. The aspirated vomit contents can cause respiratory tract irritation and inflammation. The cause for the fainting attack or syncope needs to be determined on priority basis. An EKG should be done to look for a cardiac cause such as an arrhythmia. Blood counts and metabolic profile including electrolytes, blood sugar should be advised. Blood pressure measurement and fever should also be documented. If there is considerable aspiration due to a prolonged unconsciousness phase then antibiotics can be prescribed. An epileptic attack can also be a possibility if there was associate tongue bite , jerking movements , frothing from the mouth and urinary incontinence. The workup would remain the same in addition to an EEG after stabilization.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
