Dysautonomia in Long Covid - How to Diagnose and Treat It | With Dr Svetlana Blitshteyn

In this discussion, Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn explores the link between dysautonomia and Long COVID, focusing on diagnosis and treatment options. She emphasizes that symptoms like poor sleep, exhaustion, tachycardia, and dizziness can often be explained by disorders of the autonomic nervous system, which is often stuck in a 'fight or flight' mode. Dr. Blitshteyn outlines the objective criteria for diagnosing conditions like POTS, noting the role of non-invasive tests such as the 10-minute stand test. She discusses common non-pharmacological treatments, including increased fluid and salt intake, compression garments, and gluten-free diets. Dr. Blitshteyn also highlights the potential role of gentle exercise in management. While pharmacological treatments such as beta blockers and ivabradine are available, she notes the importance of tailored, patient-specific approaches. Dr. Blitshteyn stresses that dysautonomia is a physiological condition that requires medical recognition and treatment, rather than being dismissed as psychological. Finally, she touches on the mechanisms that might drive post-viral dysautonomia, suggesting a possible autoimmune component but acknowledging the need for further research.