A Little Known Condition Called POTS
By Stephen R. Farris
There's a little known health condition that is often misdiagnosed. This condition is known as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), and is related to extreme fatigue.
According to research, POTS can be 100 times worse than the fatigue you might feel when you suffer from the flu.
Most people don't even know they may be suffering from POTS simply because there has been no established criteria of exact symptoms other than the feeling of being tired more often, and wanting to sleep a lot.
Researchers aren't quite sure what causes POTS, but have determined that 1 to 3 million Americans may have the syndrome, that it affects women more than it does men, and it is likely to develop in younger adults, teens, and preteens.
People that may have POTS are likely to lose concentration, or the ability to do simple things and feeling overwhelmingly fatigued afterwards.
Researchers are still puzzled as to what causes POTS. At the moment, they have pointed out that people with POTS have a group of symptoms that are associated with the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Blood collects in the lower section of the body, and upon standing up, it causes the heart to beat faster while trying to rush blood to the brain with no avail.
Simply put, it's a communication breakdown, so to speak.
There are no set of symptoms, but people with POTS have told their doctor that they feel any one of the following:
- Dizziness when standing up
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Lightheaded, or faint
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Headaches
- Sweating more than usual
- Shakiness
- Heart palpitations
If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD, myofascial pain syndrome, anxiety disorder, irritable bowel syndrome -- to name a few -- it's possible that you could have been diagnosed wrong.
There is a test available called the tilt table test. You may need to find a physician that is more specialized in treating patients with POTS, such as a cardiologist or neuromuscular doctor.
Currently, there is no simple cure for POTS, but the syndrome has been treated by having patients begin a diet with an increase of their intake of salt and water.
However, this may not work in all patients. Your doctor may have to try a few options to see what works for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Flowery Branch, Ga.