Anna DePold Hohler
Boston University, USA
Title: Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Biography
Biography: Anna DePold Hohler
Abstract
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is associated with a number of systemic effects including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. The most commonly reported GI symptoms are nausea, irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain, and constipation. Many POTS patients report GI symptoms more than once per week. They often require a GI specialist. The POTS patients often have gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying. GI disturbances are frequent and prolonged in patients with POTS, impacting quality of life. Given the importance of the enteric nervous system to normal GI functioning, the same autonomic impairment leading to POTS may result in abnormal gut motility and ultimately subjective GI discomfort. Treatment of autonomic dysfunction in POTS and dietary changes may improve GI dysfunction associated with POTS.