How to Treat Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, abbreviated POTS, is a newly discovered form of dysautonomia. Similar in symptoms to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and mononucleosis, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome can make everyday life a challenge, often making the simple act of getting out of bed an ordeal. With POTS, the fatigue is debilitating and often constant. This fatigue is sometimes accompanied by light-headedness, dizziness, and nausea. Fainting can even occur on the worst days. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people develop POTS after a mononucleosis infection or a high fever. POTS is most prevalent in girls in their teens and young adults. Treatments for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome focus on managing the breadth of the condition and speeding recovery.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Obtain an accurate diagnosis:
   Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed. Physical symptoms of POTS can mimic those of chronic fatigue syndrome, some viral infections, and other similar conditions. However, there are a few symptoms which make POTS unique. People with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome experience irregularities in heart rate and blood pressure when standing upright. Heart rate increases significantly, blood pressure plummets, and fatigue becomes most pronounced. Spotting these indicators is critical in diagnosing POTS. So make certain that your doctor examines blood pressure and heart rate both while sitting and while standing.

2. Drink plenty of water:
   One common treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is to increase fluid intake in tandem with increased salt intake as a means of retaining more fluids. This can help to regulate blood pressure so that its drops are less pronounced.

3. Take a prescription to ease the symptoms:
   There are a couple of medications that can help to regulate the system of a person with POTS: beta-blockers and Midodrine. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, beta-blockers have been found to be the most frequently effective medicines for relieving POTS symptoms. For half as many patients, Midodrine was found to be the most effective treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, but both proved helpful compared to taking no aids at all.

4. Stay active to speed recovery:
   Get regular physical activity to treat postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. The symptoms of POTS make exercising difficult, but it is critical to an effective recovery. A limited amount of moderate exercise, usually in bouts of 15 to 20 minutes per day for two or three days per week, can help to develop greater tolerance to daily activity and promote long-term condition management. Children with POTS usually outgrow the condition when they reach adulthood and staying active can increase the odds of a full recovery and make it happen quicker.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any questions about POTS, talk to your doctor; if your doctor is not familiar with the condition, seek a doctor who is.