What exactly is POTS?
POTS is a form of dysautonomia that affects approximately 1
in 100 people. Dysautonomia is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system is a very important because it controls all
involuntary actions that the body does like blood pressure, digestion,
thermoregulation, and so many more important processes. POTS is also a form of
orthostatic intolerance which means when a POTS patients stand up their blood
pressure drops and their heart rate increases (tachycardia) at least 40bpm.
POTS can occur in anyone, but is most common in women between the ages of
15-50. Sadly there is no cure for POTS yet, but there are medications doctors
can prescribe to make symptoms more manageable. The problem with the disorder
is the symptoms are so vague and there is not a lot of knowledge or awareness
about the disorder so people can be easily misdiagnosed.
Defining symptoms of POTS:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Syncope (fainting)
- Tachycardia—especially upon standing
- Brain fog
- Heat and cold intolerance
- Insomnia
- Blood pooling in feet/legs
- Joint or muscle pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Exercise intolerance
- And so many more….
Home remedies to lessen symptoms:
- Drink a ton of fluids—2-3 liters of water
- SALT!!!! Up your intake of salt
- Eliminate caffeine
- Eat small meals frequently
- Have a consistent bedtime
- Get 10-14 hours of sleep
- Avoid POTS triggers
- Keep a stool/chair in the shower
- Take lukewarm showers—NOT HOT!
- Keep a small portable fan with you at all times
- Compression stockings (stockings that go up to the thigh works the best!)
- Start exercising and push yourself because that’s the only way to get better
Testing/Treatment Centers:
- Mayo Clinic—Rochester, MN (will be going there in March 2016)
- Dysautonomia Center at NYU Langone Medical Center—New York, NY
- POTS Treatment Center—Dallas, TX
- Chronic Fatigue Clinic at John's Hopkins Hospital—Baltimore, MD
Sources:
- http://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots#.VttlHJMrLq0
- http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30
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