What is dysautonomia?
It is a transient alteration of some mechanisms in charge of self-regulation; the autonomic nervous system is in charge of controlling automatic functions of the organism, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, vascular tone and respiration; when there are alterations in this system is when we speak of dysautonomia. There is still no clarity about the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this condition; some authors consider that current lifestyles, poor diet, stress, overwork and sedentary lifestyle are triggers of dysautonomia.
What are the main symptoms?
This condition has very variable manifestations ranging from dizziness, palpitations, abnormal sweating, fatigue, and headache, to transient loss of consciousness (syncope).
When dysautonomia is suspected, it is important to consult a physician, who should make an adequate approach and rule out other alternative causes of the symptoms; once the diagnosis is confirmed, it is necessary to initiate a series of measures focused on improving the quality of life and reducing the frequency and severity of the symptoms.
How is the diagnosis made?
It is essentially a clinical diagnosis, derived from a good clinical history, physical examination and complementary tests. In some specific scenarios, the patient may require studies such as the tilt test (tilt table), which is useful to evaluate some hemodynamic variables such as blood pressure and heart rate, when subjected to sudden changes in position and some medications.
What is the treatment of dysautonomia?
Most patients improve with non-pharmacological measures, which are the mainstay of treatment; only in very special cases will medications or procedures be required, which should be indicated by a specialist.
These are the most useful recommendations for the management of this condition:
- At breakfast within an hour of waking up and include protein, carbohydrates and fruits or vegetables.
- Accompany breakfast with foods with high salt content.
- Do not suppress any food, intermittent fasting is not recommended in these patients.
- Decrease or eliminate caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Increase fluid intake; try to drink more than one liter of water in the morning.
- Control the consumption of sugars and their derivatives.
- Eat salads at lunch and dinner, several servings of fruit a day and prefer whole-grain products.
- Exercise more than three times a week; before and during exercise you should hydrate adequately.
- Schedule frequent outdoor activities and get sun (with photoprotection); remember that sunlight controls some cycles of the autonomic nervous system.
- Avoid standing for prolonged periods. The use of gradient stockings is recommended.
- Avoid using Turkish baths and saunas.
- Most crises can be avoided and for this, it is necessary to know the onset and take immediate measures to abort the crisis: lie down and elevate the legs, change activity, drink water or hydrating beverages such as oral rehydration salts; perform muscle tension in arms and legs
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule your appointment.