POTS in Teenagers: What Every Parent Should Know

Your teenager comes home from school exhausted again. They complain about feeling dizzy when they stand up, their heart races for no reason, and they’re missing more school days than you’re comfortable with. You’ve been to multiple doctors, run countless tests, and you’re still searching for answers.

If this sounds familiar, your teen might be dealing with POTS – Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It’s a condition that’s becoming increasingly common in teenagers, especially after recent years of increased stress and illness.

As a parent, watching your child struggle with mysterious symptoms is heartbreaking. The good news? Understanding POTS is the first step toward helping your teenager feel better.

Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.

What Exactly Is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. In simple terms, it’s when your teenager’s nervous system struggles to regulate their heart rate and blood pressure when they change positions – especially when standing up.

Think of it like this: normally, when you stand up, your nervous system automatically adjusts to keep blood flowing properly to your brain. With POTS, this automatic system isn’t working correctly.

The Numbers Behind POTS

For a POTS diagnosis, doctors look for a heart rate increase of 30 beats per minute (or to 120 bpm) within 10 minutes of standing. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

What really matters is how your teenager feels and functions day to day.

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Recognizing POTS Symptoms in Your Teen

Teenage POTS symptoms can be confusing because they often look like other conditions or even just typical teenage behavior. Here’s what to watch for:

Physical Symptoms

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
• Heart racing or pounding
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or stomach problems

How It Affects Daily Life

Beyond the physical symptoms, POTS can dramatically impact your teenager’s daily activities:

• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Trouble with exercise or sports
• Needing to sit down frequently
• Avoiding social activities
• Sleep problems

I remember one patient whose mom brought her in because she kept “being dramatic” about feeling sick. After evaluation, we discovered she had classic POTS symptoms. Sometimes what looks like teenage attitude is actually a real medical issue.

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What Causes POTS in Teenagers?

Understanding why your teenager developed POTS can help guide the best treatment approach. The causes often involve what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a combination of factors that overwhelm the nervous system.

Common Triggers

• Viral infections: Many teens develop POTS after illnesses like COVID-19, mono, or other viral infections
• Physical trauma: Concussions, car accidents, or sports injuries
• Emotional stress: Major life changes, academic pressure, or family stress
• Hormonal changes: Puberty, menstrual cycle irregularities
• Deconditioning: Long periods of inactivity or bed rest

The Nervous System Connection

POTS is fundamentally a nervous system problem. Your teenager’s autonomic nervous system – the part that controls automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure – isn’t communicating properly.

This is where neurologically-focused chiropractic care can make a significant difference. By addressing nervous system function, many families see improvements in their teenager’s POTS symptoms.

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Getting a POTS Diagnosis

If you suspect your teenager has POTS, getting a proper diagnosis is crucial. Unfortunately, the journey to diagnosis can be frustrating and lengthy.

The Diagnostic Process

POTS diagnosis typically involves:

• Tilt table test: The gold standard test where your teen lies on a table that tilts upward
• Active stand test: A simpler version you can even do at home
• Heart rate monitoring: Tracking heart rate changes with position
• Blood work: Ruling out other conditions

Finding the Right Doctor

Not all doctors are familiar with POTS, especially in teenagers. Look for:

• Cardiologists who specialize in autonomic disorders
• Neurologists with POTS experience
• Healthcare providers who understand the nervous system connection

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Treatment Options for Teenage POTS

The good news is that POTS treatment options are expanding, and many teenagers see significant improvement with the right approach, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Increase fluid intake: Aim for 2-3 liters of water daily
• Add salt: Many teens with POTS need extra sodium
• Compression garments: Helps blood return to the heart
• Gradual exercise: Start slow and build tolerance
• Sleep hygiene: Consistent sleep schedule matters

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

Since POTS is fundamentally a nervous system disorder, addressing nervous system function can be incredibly helpful, as described by Johns Hopkins Medicine. Neurologically-focused chiropractic care works by:

• Improving communication between the brain and body
• Supporting autonomic nervous system function
• Reducing nervous system stress
• Helping the body’s natural healing processes

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Supporting Your Teenager Through POTS

Having a teenager with POTS affects the whole family. Here’s how you can provide the best support:

At Home

• Believe their symptoms – POTS is real, not “in their head”
• Help them pace activities and rest when needed
• Keep electrolyte drinks and salty snacks available
• Create a calm, low-stress environment

At School

Work with your teenager’s school to ensure they have appropriate accommodations:

• Permission to carry water and snacks
• Ability to sit during class if needed
• Modified PE requirements
• Extra time between classes
• Access to elevator if available

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will my teenager outgrow POTS?

Many teenagers do see significant improvement in their POTS symptoms over time, especially with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. Research from the ICPA suggests that up to 80% of teenage POTS patients improve significantly within 2-5 years. The key is getting the right support for their nervous system while their body heals.

Can my teen still play sports with POTS?

This depends on the severity of symptoms and the type of sport. Many teens with POTS can participate in modified activities or certain sports. Swimming is often well-tolerated because the water pressure helps blood circulation. Always work with your healthcare team to determine what’s safe for your specific teenager.

Is POTS dangerous for teenagers?

While POTS symptoms can be very disabling, the condition itself is not typically life-threatening. However, the fainting episodes can lead to injuries, so it’s important to take precautions and get proper treatment. Most teenagers with POTS can live full, active lives with appropriate management.

How long does it take to see improvement with treatment?

This varies significantly from teenager to teenager. Some families notice improvements within weeks of starting neurologically-focused care and lifestyle modifications, while others may take several months. The important thing is to be patient and consistent with treatment while monitoring progress.

Should we avoid all medications for POTS?

Not necessarily. Some teenagers benefit from a combination approach that includes both natural interventions and medications when needed. The goal is always to use the least invasive, most effective treatments first. Many families in Cooper City and throughout Broward County and surrounding areas find that addressing nervous system function first can reduce the need for medications.

Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?

Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.

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Moving Forward with Hope

Watching your teenager struggle with POTS can feel overwhelming, but remember – you’re not alone in this journey. Many families have walked this path and found effective ways to help their teenagers thrive despite this condition.

The key is taking action early and addressing the root cause – nervous system dysfunction. By supporting your teenager’s nervous system health, you’re giving their body the best chance to heal and regulate properly.

If you’re ready to explore how neurologically-focused chiropractic care might help your teenager with POTS, we’re here to support your family. Our approach focuses on gentle, specific care designed to support nervous system function and help your teenager feel like themselves again.

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Take the first step toward helping your teenager feel better by calling us at (754) 203-5907 or booking your consultation online today.

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