What Is POTS Syndrome? And What Causes It?

As a parent, it can feel overwhelming to watch your child or teen battle unexplained dizziness, fatigue, fainting, and constant anxiety. Every time they stand up or change positions, you hold your breath, wondering if they’ll feel faint or need to sit back down. 

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) affects about 1 in 100 teenagers—with girls being two to three times more likely to develop it. If your child has been diagnosed with POTS, you’re likely searching for answers—and solutions. Any concerned parent would do the same. So, what causes POTS exactly? What should you know? How can you and your child effectively learn to manage this condition?

What Causes POTS?

While genetics may play a role, they aren’t the main cause. In fact, the causes of POTS can be confusing and uncertain for many. Yet, POTS symptoms are often linked to issues within the autonomic nervous system. This system controls functions like heart rate and blood pressure. When it’s dysregulated, symptoms can flare.

At the center of this dysregulation is the vagus nerve—a key component of your child’s autonomic nervous system. It helps control heart rate and blood pressure, regulates breathing patterns, maintains overall body balance, and even influences focus and concentration.

And it’s undeniable: Today’s teenagers face unprecedented levels of stress and environmental toxins. This constant stress overloads their nervous system, keeping them stuck in a “fight-or-flight” mode and contributing to vagus nerve dysfunction. 

When the nervous system stays dysregulated for too long, it can lead to a condition known as dysautonomia—an imbalance where the “fight-or-flight” response becomes overactive. This imbalance can disrupt multiple body systems, making managing symptoms even more challenging.

What Happens if POTS Go Untreated?

If POTS goes untreated, the symptoms can become increasingly disruptive to your child’s daily life. Simple activities—like standing up, walking to class, or spending time with friends—can feel exhausting or even impossible. 

Over time, untreated POTS can lead to a cycle of physical deconditioning, as your child may begin to avoid movement for fear of triggering symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or an increased heart rate. This can create feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety, affecting their mental and emotional well-being.

Without proper care, POTS can also impact school performance, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. Many parents worry as they watch their once-active teen withdraw due to the challenges of managing this condition alone. However, with the right support and treatment, it’s possible for your child to regain their strength, build resilience, and take part in the things they love again. Seeking help early can make a significant difference, giving your child the tools they need to manage their symptoms and live a full, vibrant life!

Can POTS Ever Go Away?

While there is no guaranteed cure for POTS, many people, especially teenagers, experience significant improvement over time. In some cases, symptoms may lessen or even resolve as the underlying cause—such as hormonal changes or recovery from an illness—stabilizes. However, long-term management is often key to improving quality of life. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical support, and symptom management strategies, your child can regain strength and return to the activities they love.

What Is the Best Way to Manage Pots?

Modern diagnostic tools have made it possible to gain deeper insights into your child’s condition. These tools can measure heart rate variability (HRV) to assess how well the nervous system is functioning, identify areas of neurological interference, and track progress over time. By monitoring these key factors, healthcare providers—such as your local Sioux Falls chiropractor—can create personalized care plans beyond the traditional approach.

Paying attention to patterns in your child’s symptoms is also an important step. You may notice that dizziness, fatigue, or fainting become more frequent during moments of stress or after changing positions. Sharing these observations with a provider who specializes in nervous system health can provide valuable context for treatment.

Seeking a thorough evaluation from a chiropractor who understands the neurological complexities of POTS can make a significant difference. At Highest Health Chiropractic, we can use advanced methods to address nervous system imbalances rather than simply managing symptoms with medication. While we don’t recommend replacing your doctor’s recommendations, chiropractic care can play an adjacent role in your child’s treatment plan—and make a significant impact in your child’s overall management of POTS.

Find out if chiropractic care is right for your child. Book your appointment with our caring and compassionate team today.