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| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
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| ===Dietary Changes===
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| *[[Alcohol]] has been shown to drastically exacerbate all types of [[orthostatic intolerance]] due to its [[vasodilation]] and [[dehydration]] properties. It should be avoided whenever possible because of its adverse effects and its [[interactivity]] with many of the medications prescribed to POTS patients.
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| *[[Caffeine]] helps some POTS patients due to its stimulative effects, however, other patients report a worsening of symptoms with caffeine intake. Each patient should experiment to determine whether caffeine helps or hurts his or her condition.
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| *Diets high in [[carbohydrates]] have been connected to impaired vasoconstrictive action. Eating foods with lower carbohydrate levels can mildly improve POTS symptoms.
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| *Eating frequent, small meals can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with POTS by requiring the diversion of less blood to the abdomen.
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| *Patients diagnosed with POTS will usually be advised to maintain a high sodium diet in order to augment the effects of their medication regimen, especially if that regimen includes [[fludrocortisone]]. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids, with a recommended intake of at least two liters per day and as much as 500 milliliters every two hours throughout the day.
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| ===Physical Therapy===
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| POTS symptoms can be worsened by postural asymmetries, restrictions in mobility, and areas of adverse mechanical tension in the nervous system. These physical abnormalities can be relieved with gentle manual therapies including neural mobilization (or neural tension work), myofascial release, and cranio-sacral therapy.
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| ===External Body Pressure===
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| Pressure garments can reduce symptoms associated with [[orthostatic intolerance]] by constricting blood pressures with external body pressure. Compression hose and anti-embolism stockings, both knee and thigh-high, provide relief for many patients. For especially severe cases, military anti-shock trousers and anti-gravity suits, or g-suits can be helpful but also limiting.
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| ===Exercise===
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| Exercise is very important for maintaining muscle strength and avoiding [[deconditioning]]. Though many POTS patients report difficulty exercising, some form of exercise is essential to controlling symptoms and eventually, improving the condition.
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| ==External Links== | | ==External Links== |