Treatment Options for Children with POTS
- posted: Jul. 16, 2025
If your child has been diagnosed with POTS, or you're still piecing together what’s behind their fatigue, dizziness, or fast heartbeat, you're not alone. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can be overwhelming at first, but with the right approach and a team that understands pediatric care, kids can find real relief and support. At Pediatric and Adolescent Care in Gaithersburg, we help families in Rockville and nearby Maryland communities understand this complex condition and explore treatments that are appropriate for growing bodies and active lives.
What Is POTS, Exactly?
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, which means the autonomic nervous system isn’t regulating things like heart rate and blood pressure the way it should. In kids, it often shows up as lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat (especially after standing up), chronic fatigue, brain fog, and sometimes stomach issues. It can be hard to diagnose because symptoms vary widely and can overlap with other conditions.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, there are many ways to help children with POTS feel more like themselves again.
Building a Treatment Plan for Each Person
Treatment for POTS usually includes several components, each aimed at helping the body regulate itself. One of the first steps is increasing fluid and salt intake. Many children with POTS benefit from drinking more water and adding extra sodium to their diet to help improve blood flow and reduce dizziness.
Movement is also key. Though exercise may feel like the last thing a tired child wants to do, building up strength, especially in the legs, can help train the body to manage blood flow. This usually starts with gentle, recumbent exercises like swimming, rowing, or biking, and progresses from there.
Some children may need medications to help manage their heart rate or blood pressure. These are prescribed carefully and monitored closely by the Pediatric and Adolescent Care team to find the right fit and dosage. Each child’s body responds differently, so it’s important to work with a pediatric provider familiar with POTS treatment.
Holistic Management
Because POTS affects daily routines, like going to school, participating in sports, or just hanging out with friends, supporting mental and emotional health is just as important as physical care. Kids may need accommodations at school or help managing anxiety related to their symptoms. We encourage families to ask questions, explore resources, and advocate for what their child needs.
At Pediatric and Adolescent Care, we know that living with POTS can be challenging, but we also know that kids are incredibly resilient. With the right support, they can adapt, grow stronger, and learn how to manage their symptoms with confidence.
If your child needs POTS treatment or you're noticing symptoms that just don’t add up, call our office in Gaithersburg, serving Rockville, Maryland, (301) 869-2292.
Treatment Options for Children with POTS
- posted: Jul. 16, 2025
If your child has been diagnosed with POTS, or you're still piecing together what’s behind their fatigue, dizziness, or fast heartbeat, you're not alone. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can be overwhelming at first, but with the right approach and a team that understands pediatric care, kids can find real relief and support. At Pediatric and Adolescent Care in Gaithersburg, we help families in Rockville and nearby Maryland communities understand this complex condition and explore treatments that are appropriate for growing bodies and active lives.
What Is POTS, Exactly?
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, which means the autonomic nervous system isn’t regulating things like heart rate and blood pressure the way it should. In kids, it often shows up as lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat (especially after standing up), chronic fatigue, brain fog, and sometimes stomach issues. It can be hard to diagnose because symptoms vary widely and can overlap with other conditions.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, there are many ways to help children with POTS feel more like themselves again.
Building a Treatment Plan for Each Person
Treatment for POTS usually includes several components, each aimed at helping the body regulate itself. One of the first steps is increasing fluid and salt intake. Many children with POTS benefit from drinking more water and adding extra sodium to their diet to help improve blood flow and reduce dizziness.
Movement is also key. Though exercise may feel like the last thing a tired child wants to do, building up strength, especially in the legs, can help train the body to manage blood flow. This usually starts with gentle, recumbent exercises like swimming, rowing, or biking, and progresses from there.
Some children may need medications to help manage their heart rate or blood pressure. These are prescribed carefully and monitored closely by the Pediatric and Adolescent Care team to find the right fit and dosage. Each child’s body responds differently, so it’s important to work with a pediatric provider familiar with POTS treatment.
Holistic Management
Because POTS affects daily routines, like going to school, participating in sports, or just hanging out with friends, supporting mental and emotional health is just as important as physical care. Kids may need accommodations at school or help managing anxiety related to their symptoms. We encourage families to ask questions, explore resources, and advocate for what their child needs.
At Pediatric and Adolescent Care, we know that living with POTS can be challenging, but we also know that kids are incredibly resilient. With the right support, they can adapt, grow stronger, and learn how to manage their symptoms with confidence.
If your child needs POTS treatment or you're noticing symptoms that just don’t add up, call our office in Gaithersburg, serving Rockville, Maryland, (301) 869-2292.
