POTS and Orthostatic Intolerance: What You Need to Know

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a real, disabling condition affecting the body's autonomic nervous system, blood volume, and immune response. Patients experience symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue upon standing. Multiple overlapping mechanisms contribute to POTS, and proper diagnosis and management can significantly improve patient outcomes. Understanding and recognition are crucial.

The Economic Costs of Ignoring Covid in Britain

Britain faces an economic crisis due to Long Covid, with over two million affected individuals suffering debilitating symptoms. The rise in economic inactivity, currently at 2.8 million, highlights the failure of public health policies. Addressing this requires recognizing Long Covid under disability laws and implementing structural changes to support affected workers.

Long COVID Recovery: Movement Strategies Based on PEM Severity

Living with Long COVID can complicate exercise recovery due to varied effects on individuals, especially those experiencing post-exertional malaise (PEM). Exercise must be tailored to symptom severity, emphasizing pacing and gentle movements. Successful recovery balances activity with rest, ensuring safety and avoiding debilitating crashes while identifying triggers for better management.

Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) and What Can Be Done

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a severe symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, causing worsened symptoms after exertion. It involves impaired energy production, neuroinflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and muscle issues. Management strategies include pacing, heart rate monitoring, targeted medications, and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate symptoms.

What is Post Exertional Malaise? Causes and Triggers

Living with Long COVID and Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) is characterized by unpredictable energy levels, making everyday tasks a challenge. The author details their fluctuating experience, balancing activity with the risk of exhaustion. They emphasize the importance of pacing, self-kindness, and recognizing small victories while adapting to this complex relationship with their body.

Understanding Muscle Weakness in Long COVID

Long COVID significantly impacts muscle strength due to factors like damaged mitochondria, inadequate oxygen delivery, lactic acid buildup, and inflammation. Managing muscle weakness requires pacing activities, gentle physiotherapy, alternating hot and cold therapy, and potentially using supplements. Recovery is gradual and should prioritize body kindness and patience.

Long COVID The Real Invisible Challenge

Long COVID is a complex condition distinct from simple deconditioning. It presents unique symptoms like brain fog, nerve pain, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), where exertion causes severe fatigue. Autonomic dysfunction further complicates recovery, making exercise challenging. Research indicates it’s not linked to laziness or lack of fitness but involves systemic issues needing careful management.