My 13 year old daughter recently told me that for the past 6 years out of no where when she is walking or standing up she feels
Like she is about to pass out and everything gets blurry. she also told me that she falls down a lot when this happens. I don't know if its because the way she eats? She is a vegetarian Mabye that has something to do with it she is anemic. I'm just glad she finally told me. . Thank you, K.
This could be any number of things. Anemia (not enough iron in the blood) and hypoglycemia (not enough sugar in the blood) are two of them. But you need to take her to the doctor, mama. A few (not all, just a few) of the possibilities are quite serious, and a doctor needs to rule them out.
It has nothing to do with being vegetarian. She does need to be seen by a doctor for an evaluation.
I've always had this issue, and in my early 20's a doctor diagnosed it as "common fainting" or POTS. In my case it's actually a symptom of my Fibromyalgia.
Definitely agree she needs to see a doctor. I used to faint as a teen, too. I am hypoglycemic but didn't realize it back then. I'd get faint if I hadn't had enough protein recently. I once passed out working outside at a cart at an amusement park when the place had me work through my break. I now know I must have protein every couple of hours to keep my blood sugar stable.
I have also had bouts of anemia and that also gives the same feeling. I can get really lightheaded. Taking some iron supplements can help a lot.
Still, it's good to get input from a doctor, who can make sure there isn't something else going on. It's not normal to feel faint all the time.
I was like that at her age. I was/am a vegetarian, and it was low iron.
Your daughter needs a medical evaluation, this is not normal and likely not because she is a vegetarian. This has been going on for 6 years and you are just now finding out about it???
Sorry, but I find that astounding.
I am not trying to diagnose, but she could have something like POTS. which is a condition that causes drop in blood pressure on standing and walking and can show up as a child, usually around 12 years old, but also younger and can be associated with an infection or chronic fatigue or dehydration among other things. The fact that she is anemic is a red flag and being anemic, means the person has low hemoglobin for various reasons, from not manufacturing enough red blood cells, a bone marrow issue, or a gastrointestinal malabsorption issue that she isn't getting enough iron. Lack of red meat in the diet can be a factor in some cases, but there are nutritional interventions that can easily cover those issues.
Hemoglobin is the "oxygen carrying" part of the blood, so one could be light headed and dizzy with activity and also short of breath.
She needs to be seen by a Pediatrician and have a complete medical work up.
She needs to see the dr. It could be so many different things.
Time for a checkup and blood work at the Dr.
It could be as simple as getting more nutrients in her OR maybe she is not drinking enough water.
I am glad she came to you and told you about it. That is a good start.
This has been going on for six years! I would say she needs to see a doc. You didn't notice her feeling dizzy and falling? Guess since it has been going on for six years without anyone knowing, it can't be anything real serious.
Agree with the other moms. A blood work up is in order. As far as being a vegetarian. I eat 95% vegetarian, buy you must do it correctly. I discovered Non-GMO soy protein shakes and it's made an amazing difference. Think about a good vitamin too.
It sounds like it could be orthostatic hypotension. Basically upon rising from a sitting position your blood pressure drops. Can also happen when changing speed walking or sitting from a laying position. Basically the movement causes a drop in blood pressure and you feel faint/dizzy and often things go blurry or completely black. There are many causes of this, including anemia, and not drinking enough water, as well as other things, and sometimes there is no known cause. You should see if she needs iron or like others mention b12. And make sure she is drinking enough water. If no known cause is found she just needs to be careful. Change positions slowly, sit down when it happens, etc. I have had this most of my life and i am 42 now and it gets better when I take my iron and when I drink more but it never completely goes away. But you should have her checked by a doctor for it.
And when, has she seen a Doctor, for this?
Yes, she is likely low on iron. I am borderline anemic and feel this way without my extra iron pill. You can't take iron with your other vitamins because it "blocks" some of the other nutrients. Take her to the doc and see what they suggest.
Definitely take her to the doctor but I just wanted to say that I have been dealing with the same problem since I was a teen and the octopus can't find anything wrong. They have done tests several different times and have never found anything wrong. It's very frustrating, so I know how she feels.
Her diet could be deficient in iron, or in vitamin B12, both of which can cause anemia. Anemia can keep the brain from getting enough oxygen, resulting in fainting. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is another possibility. This REALLY needs a doctor's evaluation.
I see a mom below mentions POTS, this is quite possible...
She needs a medical evaluation for possible heart conditions and blood pressure problems that can cause fainting spells. She needs he blood sugar (glucose) evaluated as another likely problem with teenagers that fast. There are also neurological problems, but not likely if her problems are only when she is walking or standing. I think any exercise induced problem needs to be evaluated for heart conditions and for blood sugar. The fact that it is "6 years" is reassuring that it is not life threatening . Antia A.
