Treatment for Fatigue Associated with POTS + Long Haul Covid
- Kayla Jane
- May 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 5, 2024
How to recognize symptoms and adjust as long haul COVID patients develop POTS
Summary of Long-haul COVID
I have experienced POTS and have dealt with huge POTS flares after COVID. My symptoms are similar to those who are experiencing Long Haul Covid symptoms, and taking into consideration how symptoms can overlap, it may be beneficial to be tested for POTS because it is not that uncommon in those experiencing Long-haul Covid.
Patients with long-haul COVID may experience a range of persistent symptoms that extend beyond the acute phase of the illness, and fatigue is especially common. These symptoms can have a significant impact on the individuals' quality of life. It's important to note that the specific symptoms and their duration can vary widely among individuals. Some common long-haul COVID symptoms include:
Fatigue - Persistent and profound fatigue is a common long-haul symptom, often described as an overwhelming sense of tiredness.
Heart Palpitations - Some individuals may experience heart palpitations, chest pain, or an increased heart rate, resembling symptoms seen in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Shortness of Breath - Some individuals may experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath even after the acute phase of the illness. Chronic cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms can persist.
Cognitive Issues (Brain Fog) - Many long-haul COVID patients report difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and "brain fog."
Joint and Muscle Pain - Persistent joint pain and muscle aches can be ongoing symptoms, affecting daily activities and mobility.
Sleep Disturbances - Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, or excessive fatigue despite adequate sleep are common issues.
Loss of Taste or Smell - Anosmia (loss of smell) or ageusia (loss of taste) can persist for an extended period in some individuals.
Headaches - Recurrent headaches or migraines may continue to be a part of long-haul COVID symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Issues - Persistent digestive symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain and other symptoms correlated with IBS.
Skin Rashes - Skin rashes or changes in skin texture may be reported as part of long-haul COVID-19 symptoms.
Psychological symptoms - Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can be part of the long-term impact of COVID-19.
It's important to emphasize that the understanding of long-haul COVID is evolving, and ongoing research is being conducted to better comprehend the underlying mechanisms and effective management strategies (same as POTS :) Individuals experiencing persistent symptoms after recovering from acute COVID-19 should seek medical attention for proper evaluation and guidance on managing their symptoms.
I included the image below to help those with long-haul COVID correlate the symptoms that they may be experiencing to symptoms common in POTS patients.
How Long-haul COVID is Associated with POTS
Long-haul COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or long COVID, refers to persistent symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute phase of COVID-19 illness has resolved. While the exact mechanisms underlying long-haul COVID are still being studied, there is emerging evidence suggesting that dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), may be among the long-term complications experienced by some individuals following COVID-19 infection.
Here's how long-haul COVID may be associated with POTS:
Autonomic Dysfunction: COVID-19 can affect multiple organ systems, including the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, can manifest as symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, lightheadedness, and gastrointestinal disturbances—symptoms that are also characteristic of POTS.
Orthostatic Intolerance: Many individuals with long-haul COVID report ongoing symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting upon standing or assuming an upright posture. These symptoms overlap with those of POTS, suggesting a potential link between long-haul COVID and dysautonomia.
Viral Trigger: It's hypothesized that COVID-19 may trigger dysautonomia and POTS through various mechanisms, including direct viral effects on the autonomic nervous system, immune-mediated responses, or post-viral inflammation. While more research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms, the association between COVID-19 and dysautonomia, including POTS, is increasingly recognized in clinical practice.
Overlap of Symptoms: Individuals with long-haul COVID and POTS may experience a constellation of symptoms that overlap and exacerbate each other, leading to significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. These symptoms may include fatigue, palpitations, brain fog, exercise intolerance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sensitivity to the environment.
Chronic Inflammatory State: COVID-19 can induce a pro-inflammatory state in the body, characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory markers and cytokines. Chronic inflammation has been implicated COVID-19 and POTS, suggesting a potential mechanistic link between the two conditions.
Overall, while the association between long-haul COVID and POTS is still being investigated, emerging evidence suggests that dysautonomia, including POTS, may be among the long-term complications experienced by some individuals following COVID-19 infection. Healthcare providers should be vigilant for symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction in individuals with long-haul COVID and consider appropriate evaluation and management strategies, including referral to specialists familiar with dysautonomia.
Important to Establish a Treatment for Fatigue Associated with POTS and Long Haul Covid
It is thought that the number of POTS patients has doubled since COVID [1]. While this may be true, patients have suffered because there is a shortage of doctors since the number of specialists remains unchanged. For this reason, the POTS symptoms associated with long-haul COVID are difficult to identify and diagnose.
"Part of the problem in diagnosing and treating POTS patients is that many doctors aren’t familiar with it and patients often see multiple doctors before finally getting diagnosed. One study of more than 4,800 POTS patients found that most didn’t get diagnosed until a year or more after first seeing a doctor, and the average diagnostic delay was nearly five years" [1].
It is unknown how many people experience POTS after COVID. Studies suggest that number could be 2-14 percent of those with COVID develop POTS. "One study of long covid patients found that overall 30 percent met the criteria for POTS, although it was far more common in women" [1].
Finding treatment for long haul COVID fatigue is challenging, but itdentifying POTS symptoms could be the step many doctors could be missing. If you experience POTS symptoms, and/or battling Long Haul COVID, I'd encourage you to find a doctor who is familiar with it. It is important to find a cardiologist, a neurologist, or an autonomic specialist who is familiar with the condition. Here's a physician list I found, provided by the Dysautonomia International website. It includes Autonomic physicians who understand POTS, so hopefully this will make it easier to find one near you.
Steps to Transition Back to Health
From my personal experience, managing a POTS flare from long-haul COVID involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying autonomic dysfunction and the specific symptoms triggered by COVID-19.
It is best to find a doctor, ideally one who is familiar with POTS and long-haul COVID. Drinking plenty of fluids can help maintain blood volume and improve symptoms. Sports drinks or adding salt to your diet can be beneficial. Compression socks can improve blood flow. Recumbent exercise, such as swimming or using a recumbent bike can help improve circulation without the risk of orthostatic intolerance. Celery juice is another component that benefited me, and I would definitely recommend trying it.
Stress management is also important. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress and improve autonomic function. A comfortable sleep environment is key to maintaining a consistent sleep routine to improve the quality and quantity of sleep.
Each person's experience with POTS and long-haul COVID can be unique, so it's important to work closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan.
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