Gut motility in POTS with Dr. Linda Nguyen

In this podcast episode, Dr. Linda Nguyen, a gastroenterologist and motility specialist at Stanford University, discusses gut motility issues linked to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and related conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). She explains that up to 80% of POTS patients experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, with nausea being the most common. Dr. Nguyen details how GI symptoms in POTS can manifest due to rapid or slow gastric emptying, influenced by various physiological changes and autonomic dysfunction. She also highlights recent research using the Smart Pill technology to assess GI transit times in POTS patients, finding slower movement through the small intestine compared to non-POTS patients, which can lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Treatment focuses on addressing predominant symptoms and incorporating medications that can adjust motility and treat POTS-related symptoms, emphasizing a personalized approach. Dr. Nguyen underscores the importance of understanding individual patient goals and symptoms to effectively manage these complex, intertwined conditions.