Medical researchers at the University of Calgary say a disease affecting autonomic bodily processes – those that occur automatically, such as heart rate, bladder function and sweating – is commonly seen in people diagnosed with long COVID.
This condition is known as dysautonomia, an umbrella term for a group of related conditions. Support networks for those suffering from it are working to raise awareness throughout October, which has been designated as Dysautonomia Awareness Month by advocacy group Dysautonomia International.
According to a study by Dr. Satish Raj, a cardiologist and autonomic health expert at the University of Calgary, up to 30 percent of long-COVID patients also meet criteria for a condition called POTS, a form of dysautonomia known as “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
According to Dysautonomia International, other studies estimate this figure to be between 70 and 90 percent.
The challenge is that the symptoms of the disease can be easy to ignore. “Who likes to sit and talk about their sweat,” notes Dr. Raj. “No one does that… These are just background things that are useful to keep you alive.”
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Rashmin Hira, a doctoral student at the University of Calgary and longtime COVID researcher, adds: “Unfortunately, a lot of people are told it’s just anxiety. »
That’s why raising awareness through events like Dysautonomia Month is important, says Lauren Stiles, president and CEO of Dysautonomia International.
“(It’s) a way for us to help people get a diagnosis faster,” Stiles says. “It is also very important to raise public awareness so that we can incentivize the government, investors and others to fund research into this group of diseases.”
When it comes to POTS, symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, blood pooling, and elevated heart rate. The most common treatments include increasing fluid and salt intake and, if possible, exercising while lying down.
But even though the symptoms and treatment of POTS seem subtle, it’s not to be taken lightly, Stiles says. Thirty percent of people with this condition rely on a wheelchair to get around and many more are unable to work.
“There are millions of people who really, really suffer from autonomic disorders,” Stiles says. “We want to build support and compassion for these patients in their communities so they can access the resources they need.” »
Dysautonomia International encourages those who would like to show their support during awareness month to share information with friends and family, participate in events, raise funds and wear a turquoise scarf.