Lifestyle Changes to Make When Your Child Has POTS

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects blood flow and the body’s ability to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, especially when changing positions. It’s often diagnosed in teens and young adults, and symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and nausea can make school, sports, and everyday activities challenging.

While medication may be part of your child’s treatment plan, lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of symptom management. Dr. Devyani Chowdhury and our team at Cardiology Care for Children work closely with families to guide these changes and support children in living full, active lives despite a POTS diagnosis.

Here are some practical lifestyle adjustments you can help your child implement to better manage their symptoms and improve their day-to-day well-being.

Drink water throughout the day, every day

One of the most important things your child can do is stay hydrated. Dehydration worsens blood volume issues and can trigger POTS symptoms like lightheadedness and rapid heart rate.

Children with POTS may need to drink more water than average, or around 2-3 liters. We can offer personalized guidance based on your child’s age and body size. To make hydrating feel less overwhelming, encourage your child to sip water regularly throughout the day and not just when they feel thirsty.

Increase salt intake (as directed)

POTS can contribute to low blood volume, and increasing salt intake can help your child’s body retain fluids and stabilize blood pressure. Our team can help you determine the right amount of salt for your child based on their overall health, symptoms, and lab work.

It’s important to increase your child’s salt intake under medical supervision, because consuming too much salt can contribute to other health issues. However, many pediatric POTS patients see improvement in their symptoms with adding extra salt to meals or using salt tablets.

Build a structured exercise routine

POTS can make exercising more challenging at first, especially if your child experiences fatigue or dizziness. But over time, graded, low-impact physical activity helps improve circulation, cardiovascular strength, and tolerance for standing.

We often recommend starting with recumbent exercises like swimming, rowing, or using a recumbent bike. Physical therapy can also be a helpful starting point, and as your child’s symptoms improve, we can gradually work toward more upright activities.

Adjust daily routines to prevent flare-ups

Along with diet and exercise modifications, simple changes at home and school can make everyday life more manageable for your child. A few tips we often recommend are:

• Teaching your child to rise slowly from sitting or lying down
• Trying compression garments to improve blood flow in your child’s legs
• Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal fatigue
• Allowing for rest periods between activities
• Coordinating with your child’s school to allow flexible seating or breaks if needed

Creating a predictable, paced schedule helps you and your child plan ahead to anticipate — or avoid — symptom flare-ups. Plus, knowing what to expect can help your child feel more in control.

Support your child’s mental and emotional well-being

POTS can be isolating, especially for children who feel different from their peers or miss out on sports and other activities. It’s important to validate your child’s experience and encourage resilience at the same time.

Our team is here to offer emotional support along with medical care. We can also help your family connect with peer groups and counseling services, which can also be helpful in managing the stress that sometimes accompanies chronic illness.

With the right lifestyle adjustments and consistent follow-up care, many children and teens experience real improvements in POTS symptoms and quality of life. No matter where your family is on the journey, we can help you understand the condition, manage symptoms, and build a plan that fits your child’s needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana, and start learning more about personalized care options and lifestyle support.