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POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a fancy name for a condition where the heart rate increases too much when a person goes from laying to sitting or standing. This can cause people with POTS to feel dizzy or faint. Now, we have all had dizziness or fainting - usually when sick - but it becomes a problem when it happens for weeks, months, or years. There can be other issues, such as brain fog, fatigue, not being able to exercise, and nausea.
How is it diagnosed?
If you are concerned your child may have POTS, then the first step is to talk with your pediatrician about the problem. They will do an exam, probably order some labs, and do a test involving checking blood pressure and heart rate as you go from laying to sitting to standing. The results of all of these will help your doctor determine if you have POTS. They may also refer your child to a specialist if there is one available in your area.
Can it be treated?
Much of the time it can be treated. Fluids are a major portion of treatment, up to 80 ounces a day. Also, increasing the intake of salt to help keep those fluids in the blood vessels can help. In addition, a reasonable physical therapy plan can help the body tolerate more activity. Sometimes compression garments are used to keep blood from collecting in the legs. In more difficult cases medications can be used.
Does POTS ever go away?
POTS can get better for quite a while, but there is always the risk of it coming back.
The bottom line.
One of the good things that the Covid situation has done is bring more attention to diseases like POTS that can be vague and difficult to truly diagnose. It is a real thing that many people have, and can be treated.
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