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Dysautonomia -

Dysautonomia is a collection of illnesses that can arise from malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system.

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Autonomic nervous system -

The functions controlled by the ANS, such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion, can be affected if it malfunctions. Problems with breathing, heart and blood pressure, and bladder control may arise when the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not operate correctly.

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Primary dysautonomia -

Dysautonomia can manifest in two different ways. One is primary dysautonomia, which means that it is a disorder in its own right, with no other diseases present.

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Secondary dysautonomia -

Secondary dysautonomia refers to the occurrence of dysautonomia as a result of another underlying illness or disease. Various common illnesses may potentially lead to dysautonomia as a side effect.

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Associated illnesses -

These conditions include a range of illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV, Lyme disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, deficiencies in Vitamin B and E, and many others.

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Who gets it? -

Dysautonomia is a fairly prevalent condition that impacts around 70 million individuals globally. It can be present since birth, gradually develop with age, or abruptly manifest later in life. Both genders are equally affected by this condition.

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How severe is this? -

Some individuals may experience mild symptoms that do not significantly impact their quality of life. For others it can be extremely severe, or even fatal.

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What triggers it? -

Dysautonomia arises when the nerves in your ANS fail to communicate effectively with other body parts, resulting in a diverse range of symptoms.

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The symptoms -

ANS malfunctions have the potential to disrupt various bodily functions such as blood pressure, breathing, digestion, heart rate, kidney functioning, pupil dilation, sexual functioning, and temperature control.

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The symptoms -

There are countless symptoms associated with dysautonomia due to the various body parts it can affect. These symptoms encompass a wide range, including balance issues, light sensitivity, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, digestive troubles, changes in mood, fainting, and more.

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Causes -

Viral illnesses or exposure to specific chemicals can sometimes induce dysautonomia, reminiscent of chronic fatigue syndrome. Dysautonomia was exhibited in soldiers returning from the 1990-1991 Gulf War, commonly known as the Gulf War Syndrome.

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Causes -

Certain factors, such as alcohol, dehydration, stress, hot environments, or tight clothing, can aggravate the condition and symptoms.

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Initial circumstances -

As previously stated, dysautonomia refers to a group of conditions in which the ANS does not function properly. Now, let's examine some of the most common conditions.

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Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) -

Neurocardiogenic syncope is the predominant type of dysautonomia, characterized by fainting spells. Some individuals might only experience this symptom a few times in their lifetime, while others may faint a couple of times a day.

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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) -

POTS is a heart disorder that disrupts circulation, resulting in symptoms like fainting upon standing, breathing difficulties, and chest discomfort.

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Familial dysautonomia (FD) -

Familial dysautonomia is a genetic condition that individuals inherit from their family members. It can lead to heightened pain sensitivity, difficulties in regulating body temperature, and a decreased ability to produce tears in the eyes.

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Familial dysautonomia (FD) -

Familial dysautonomia is prevalent in Ashkenazi Jewish individuals or those with Eastern European ancestry.

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Multiple system atrophy (MSA) -

Multiple system atrophy is a severe form of dysautonomia that poses a threat to life and predominantly affects individuals above 40 years old. It can cause heart rate problems, hypotension, urinary incontinence, and male intimacy dysfunction.

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Pure autonomic failure -

This disorder causes a decrease in blood pressure upon standing, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, visual issues, chest discomfort, and fatigue. Sitting down may offer temporary relief from these symptoms.

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Diagnosis -

Finding a skilled neurologist or cardiologist is crucial for diagnosing dysautonomia. Various tests may be needed to accurately diagnose it, including tilt-table testing, which is a popular choice.

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Tilt-table testing -

The tilt-table test is the primary diagnostic test for dysautonomia. This strange-looking test moves the patient from a lying to a standing position.

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Tilt-table testing -

Participants lie on a table, their feet carefully secured, as the table gently tilts them into a standing pose. Researchers monitor their blood pressure and other bodily functions to assess the performance of their autonomic nervous system (ANS).

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Additional exams -

Additional tests that a doctor may conduct to diagnose dysautonomia include evaluations of sweating, breathing, blood, and cardiac function.

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What causes frequent misdiagnosis? -

Dysautonomia is commonly referred to as an "invisible illness" and can pose challenges in terms of diagnosis. Symptoms are wide ranging and are frequently dismissed or misinterpreted by less experienced healthcare professionals.

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What is the treatment? -

There is currently no cure for dysautonomia. However, numerous therapies exist to effectively manage the symptoms. The following are some of the most common strategies.

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Increase water consumption -

It's recommended that individuals with dysautonomia increase their water intake. This can help maintain adequate blood volume and alleviate symptoms. It is important to consult one's doctor to determine just how much more they need to drink.

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Salt -

Increasing salt intake can help regulate blood vessel fluid volume, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

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Keeping head raised high -

Elevating your head while sleeping is another way to alleviate your symptoms. You can achieve this by adding an extra pillow or two beneath your head, raising it approximately 6 to 10 inches (15 to 20 cm).

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Medication -

Given the prevalence of low blood pressure in dysautonomia, medications like fludrocortisone and midodrine that elevate blood pressure may be required. 

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Verywell Health)

See also: Stars who suffer from chronic illnesses

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