When trying to determine how long a POTS flare-up could last, there are a few different pieces that need to be considered which we expand on below:
Considering Triggers
Some flare-up triggers may lead to longer flare-ups, seen after viral or bacterial infections as one example, while other triggers may lead to shorter flare-ups (like a stressful isolated event, exposure to heat, or a shower). When exposed to triggers that can also contribute to the development of POTS, like pregnancy, infections, trauma, surgeries, head trauma, and even vaccinations, it would be understandable why we could experience much longer flare-ups and even changes in our underlying condition (where mild POTS could become more moderate POTS based on the symptom severity).
What Is In Your Control
Although there are some things that are out of your control, preparing ahead with your medical team is one thing that is within your control. One example might include reducing risk of contracting Covid-19 and other viral infections by wearing an n95 mask and improving air quality through the use of air purifiers, and another example might include incorporating a POTS protocol that allows for you to receive more fluids during and after a procedure (as long as your medical providers agree that it is safe for you).
Other Potential Co-occurring Conditions
It is important to consider how other underlying conditions could be impacting the length and severity of your POTS flare-ups. For example, if you are experiencing an MCAS and POTS flare-up, but you are only treating one of the conditions as opposed to both, that could lead to a longer flare-up in symptoms. Other co-occurring conditions could be contributing to the length and severity of flare-ups as well, especially if those impacted are not receiving the proper care, support, and access to needed resources. For some experiencing POTS flare-ups who are undiagnosed with MCAS, they may find that a diagnosis and access to needed MCAS medications can reduce the severity of their symptoms both during and after flare-ups. This is very important to keep in mind and is why we recommend that all providers screen individuals with POTS for other common co-occurring conditions, possibly contributing to POTS severity and symptoms. See our
Co-occurring Conditions section to learn more.
Tracking Patterns
Although all of us are different, which means that the way POTS impacts us can also be different, there are patterns that we can begin to notice if we have been tracking our symptoms and flare-ups (click
here to access our symptom tracker). We can begin to notice certain patterns when tracking our flare-ups, including symptoms that may begin to improve when we are beginning to experience more relief. One potential example is that as your flare-up improves, you notice that your heart rate doesn’t increase as much when you move from lying down to sitting. Another example is that perhaps as your flare-up improves it is easier for you to fall asleep. Gaining more insight into the symptoms you experience during flare-ups can help you feel more empowered and in control of your body, when experiencing something that would otherwise leave you feeling completely overwhelmed. You also may notice patterns that can help you better predict how long your flare-ups will last.
