Introduction
Unintentional weight loss and vagus nerve abnormalities are also associated with the POTS syndrome. Symptoms related to the activation of histamine-producing cells, vascular anomalies, and anhydrosis of lower extremities have also been noticed, as explained below.
Does POTS cause loss of appetite?
In summary, the review of the available literature on GI symptoms in POTS showed that these symptoms particularly early satiety, nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain are very common in POTS; these symptoms are associated with abnormalities in GI motility.
What are signs that POTS is getting worse?
Shakiness. Intolerance of exercise or a prolonged worsening of general symptoms after increased activity. A pale face and purple discoloration of the hands and feet if the limbs are lower than the level of the heart.
Are POTS patients overweight?
In POTS patients higher percentage (51%) have overweight BMI (25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2), more than half of POTS patients (70%) have BMI (≥25.0 kg/m2).
How long is life expectancy with POTS?
POTS is not life-threatening, and there is not evidence of reduced life expectancy.
Does POTS progressively get worse?
Many POTS patients will get better over time. However, some remain sick with POTS indefinitely, and some may progressively get worse. 10 – Currently, there is no cure for POTS. There are some treatments available, but they do not work for all patients.
What is POTS often misdiagnosed as?
There is little knowledge of PoTS within the medical community and it is often misdiagnosed as anxiety, panic attacks, vaso-vagal syncope, chronic fatigue syndrome, or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Consequently, diagnosis of PoTS is commonly delayed by several years.
Why did I suddenly develop POTS?
Causes of PoTS
Sometimes it can develop suddenly after a viral illness or traumatic event, or during or after pregnancy. Some of the other known causes are: hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. other underlying conditions such as diabetes, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome or cancer.
How does POTS affect your stomach?
In addition to the cardiovascular symptoms, patients with POTS experience significant gastrointestinal symptoms namely nausea, bloating, diarrhea or even severe constipation. Furthermore, large meals or high carbohydrate meals exacerbates the feelings of palpitations, weakness, and fatigue in these patients.
What can trigger POTS episode?
POTS flare ups can be caused by many things, including stress, illness, certain medications, and changes in weather or altitude. People with POTS often don’t know what triggers their flare-ups, but there are some things that can be done to prevent or lessen the symptoms.
Conclusion
Avoid prolonged standing: Standing for a long time makes symptoms worse for most people with POTS. If you must stand for a long time, try flexing and squeezing your feet and muscles or shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can worsen symptoms because it dehydrates your body.
