Is it life-threatening to faint from an injection?

Getting acupuncture is a very normal condition for patients, but some people are afraid of injections because they may faint from injections. Needle phobia means having a strong reaction after seeing an injection, such as dizziness, low blood pressure, etc. So, is needle phobia life-threatening? If it is a mild case of needle sickness, it is not a big problem, but if it is severe, it may be life-threatening and does need to be taken seriously.

1. Phenomenon (What is needle phobia)

Mild needle sickness is manifested by mental fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting; severe needle sickness is manifested by palpitations and shortness of breath, pale complexion, cold sweats, a weak pulse, and even coma, blue lips and nails, low blood pressure, incontinence, and a weak pulse.

2. Causes (Causes and treatments of needle phobia)

It is more common in patients who receive acupuncture treatment for the first time. Others may also be caused by mental stress, physical weakness, overwork, hunger, fasting, after sweating, after diarrhea, after heavy bleeding, etc. Other causes include improper patient positioning, heavy-handedness of the practitioner, or the air in the treatment room being too hot or too cold.

3. Treatment (What to do if you feel dizzy from a needle)

Stop acupuncture immediately, remove all remaining needles, and support the patient to lie flat; lower the head, loosen the belt, and keep warm. For mild cases, just lie down for a while and drink warm tea, and you will recover. If the symptoms cannot be relieved, pinch or acupuncture emergency acupoints such as Ren Zhong, Su Liao, He Gu, Nei Guan, Zu San Li, Yong Quan, Zhong Chong, etc. You can also use moxibustion on Bai Hui, Qi Hai, Guan Yuan, Shen Que, etc. If necessary, modern emergency measures can be used. After the needle sickness is relieved, you still need to rest properly.

4. Prevention (Will needle sickness be life-threatening? No)

It is important to take prevention of needle phobia seriously. For those who are receiving acupuncture treatment for the first time, proper explanation should be given to relieve their fear. Choose a comfortable and lasting body position correctly, and try to use a lying position. It is better to select fewer acupoints and use gentle techniques. If the patient is tired, hungry or thirsty, he should be advised to rest, eat or drink water before receiving acupuncture treatment. During acupuncture, you should always pay attention to the patient's demeanor and ask about the patient's post-acupuncture condition. If there are any signs of discomfort or needle sickness, take timely treatment measures. In addition, pay attention to indoor air circulation and eliminate factors of overheating and overcooling.

Needle fainting is often caused by the patient's weak constitution, mental tension; or hunger, sweating, diarrhea, heavy bleeding; or improper body position; or the doctor's excessive pressure during acupuncture, resulting in this symptom during acupuncture or when the needle is left in place. Even unconsciousness, falling to the ground, blue lips and nails, incontinence, and weak pulse. Suggestions: The main manifestations are sudden mental fatigue, dizziness, pale face, nausea and vomiting, sweating and panic, cold limbs, decreased blood pressure, and deep and thin pulse. When needle fainting occurs, acupuncture should be stopped immediately and all needles should be removed. Help the patient lie flat, lower the head, loosen the belt, and keep warm. For mild cases, lie on your back for a while and give warm tea or sugar water to recover. For severe cases, you can puncture Ren Zhong, Su, Nei Guan, Zu San Li, and moxibustion Bai Hui, Guan Yuan, and Qi Hai. If the condition is critical, other rescue measures should be taken.