Bush Faints for "a Few Seconds" While Watching TV

US President George W.Bush fainted for "a few seconds" Sunday night while watching football game on television in the White House residence, White House physician Dr. Richard Tubb said.

The fainting spell, which occurred at approximately 5:35 p.m.EST (2235 GMT Sunday), will not have affect on the regular schedule of the president for Monday, White House spokesman Ari Fleisher said.

Tubb said that Bush choked on a pretzel and quickly recovered.The president is fine with his blood pressure and pulse becomingnormal.

"He fainted due to a temporary decrease in heart rate brought on by swallowing a pretzel," he said.

Bush suffered an abrasion on his left cheekbone and a small bruise on his lower lip after hitting his head on the floor after fainting, Tubb said.

The president was alone in the room watching TV while his wife, first lady Laura Bush, was in a nearby room.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2002)