All articles tagged with #dysautonomia
Researchers have found that many people with chronic fatigue syndrome also experience hidden breathing abnormalities, such as hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing, which may worsen symptoms and could be targeted with specific breathing therapies to alleviate some of the condition's effects.
Research suggests that dysfunctional breathing and hyperventilation are common in chronic fatigue syndrome patients and may worsen symptoms; addressing these irregularities through breathing exercises or biofeedback could potentially alleviate some of the condition's debilitating effects.
Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 may be exacerbating or triggering neurodivergent conditions, hypermobility syndromes, and related disorders, leading to increased fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms that impact individuals' ability to work and study. Experts propose that recognizing and treating these interconnected conditions with existing low-risk therapies could help many regain their health and productivity.
Long Covid, a condition where individuals continue to experience debilitating symptoms for weeks, months, or even years after their initial Covid-19 infection, affects millions of people. Common symptoms include brain fog, fatigue, heart palpitations, post-exertional malaise, and dizziness. Researchers have identified potential underlying factors such as micro-clots, persistent viral particles, and inflammation of the vagus nerve. To help manage long Covid, experts recommend rest and pacing oneself, addressing dysautonomia with medications and rehabilitation, managing mast cell activation syndrome, using breathwork for symptom management, and providing social support to combat the isolating effects of the condition.
A 33-year-old man with long COVID experienced an unusual symptom of purple discoloration in his legs when standing, which subsided when reclining. The condition, known as acrocyanosis, is linked to dysautonomia, a condition that can occur after viral infections. The patient also reported symptoms of brain fog and tremors consistent with orthostatic intolerance syndrome. Increasing awareness about these uncommon symptoms is crucial for proper patient management and to avoid unnecessary concern among both the public and medical community. A recent study has narrowed down the predominant symptoms of long COVID to palpitations, fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and obesity.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have identified a new symptom of long Covid called acrocyanosis, characterized by a rapid purple discoloration on the legs. The 33-year-old patient experienced progressively heavier and tingly legs with a dusky color when standing, but the symptoms disappeared when lying down. This discovery highlights the need for increased awareness of dysautonomia in long Covid and better management of patients experiencing these symptoms. The severity of initial Covid-19 symptoms does not appear to be linked to the chances of developing long Covid.
Clinical trials for long COVID are urgently needed, but the treatment choices and trial design require crucial nuances and understanding of viral-onset illnesses. Treatments proposed by experts in viral-onset illnesses should be prioritized, and drugs targeting a wide range of mechanisms should be trialed. Behavioral treatments, including exercise, graded exercise therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, should not be trialed. PCR and antibody tests should not be used as inclusion criteria for trial participants. Patient engagement is crucial in treatment selection and study design.