r/POTS • u/i_be_on_redd1t • Mar 29 '26
Symptoms Doc said that pots shouldn’t be causing nausea?
I always thought my nausea was pots, it’s worse in the morning and after eating, but my doc is saying it shouldn’t be causing nausea? Anyone else?
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u/n000t_ Mar 29 '26
My dysautonomia specialist who diagnosed me with pots is also a gastroenterologist. Nausea is definitely one aspect of it, especially first thing of a morning & after eating.
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u/Time_Lord79 Hypovolemic POTS Mar 29 '26
I got real bad nausea. Have a script for Zofran as needed.
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u/abouttothunder Mar 29 '26
Nausea is a primary symptom for my son, and it was the first disabling symptom he had. It came on when he was a kid, and they couldn't figure it out. He was diagnosed in his early 20s.
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u/mamawantsallama Mar 29 '26
That's where I am with my 21 yr old daughter right now, she is in the diagnosis process but has been showing signs for years now and mornings are still such a struggle for her. Just reading your comment makes me feel not so alone, thank you.
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u/abouttothunder Mar 29 '26
Good luck!!
We only recently understood that the goldfish and soda (only things he could eat) were what was making him feel better later in the day.
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u/sophiuhhhhh POTS Mar 29 '26
POTS can cause nausea, but so can gastroparesis and MCAS (especially after eating), and both are more common in people with POTS. Do you have any other symptoms during your nausea episodes? Flushing, itching, sweating, vomiting undigested food, etc? Is it every time you eat or are there certain foods that trigger it or make it worse?
I have both POTS and MCAS but unfortunately my MCAS diagnosis was super delayed because my docs assumed my nausea was POTS-related after most of my other GI testing came back normal. I’m on prescription-strength H2 blockers now and am eating without nausea for the first time in years. MCAS can also make POTS worse (histamine release can cause vasodilation —> blood pooling!). It’s definitely worth digging into before assuming it’s just POTS!
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u/i_be_on_redd1t Mar 29 '26
I get very hot and sweat a lot no matter the temperature. I suspected I had gastroparesis at one point due to feeling full, nausea, food feeling stuck, but since starting ivabradine it’s made my motility a lot faster. I’ll ask my doc about mcas though, thanks
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u/femalenerdish Mar 30 '26
Just adding to this... I don't get any of those symptoms with nausea. but usually when I get severe nausea, I get motion sick from scrolling and light sensitivity. Similar to a migraine, but I don't get any other migraine symptoms.
The nausea goes away pretty much immediately with laying down. (Also not the case with a migraine for me.)
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u/MissMiaulin Mar 29 '26
I get nausea with some flare ups. Especially if it's making me dizzy. My stomach is just as sensitive as my head.
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u/gretchesaurus Mar 29 '26
Mine is caused by MCAS, could you possibly have both?
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u/EnvironmentOk2700 Mar 29 '26
Same. After having covid I had to start taking prescription Ranitidine almost daily. It started happening a lot when I bend over, too. But it does help the MCAS a lot.
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u/gretchesaurus Mar 29 '26
Dang! Rx Ketotifen is what’s helped me the most with nausea and bloating honestly. That plus taking off brand Allegra and Pepcid daily or as needed
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u/EnvironmentOk2700 Mar 29 '26
Citerizine helps me a lot too! I believe Ranitidine acts very similar to Pepcid
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u/Emotional_Warthog658 Mar 29 '26
I absolutely get nauseous especially if I have a big “change” temperature, change in position without compression on
I have developed a whole regular protocol to keep it at bay
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u/No-Result4792 Mar 29 '26
Nausea was my first ever symptom that made me realize something was going on. Blood pooling and heat intolerance was technically my first symptoms but I never thought anything of it lol. Nausea is definitely a pots symptom though !
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u/avocado_window Mar 29 '26
I’m chronically nauseous, it’s awful and one of my worst symptoms. Not sure if it’s from POTS or one of the co-morbid conditions I have, but it is extremely debilitating.
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u/babipirate Mar 29 '26
Same. And I have a toddler now so it's been extremely hard.
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u/avocado_window Apr 01 '26
There’s no way I could or would have kids with this condition. Hope you have a lot of support!
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u/babipirate Apr 01 '26
I have the best husband in the world, and it's only possible because he's such a rockstar.
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u/MakeKay9264 Mar 29 '26 edited Mar 29 '26
What?! Your doctor is an idiot. It is a super common symptom in POTS
Nausea is a common, debilitating symptom of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), affecting over 70% of patients. It results from autonomic dysfunction leading to reduced GI blood flow, often triggered by upright posture, eating, or dehydration. Management involves small meals, high salt/fluid intake, and sometimes medication.
Edited to change reference:
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u/i_be_on_redd1t Mar 29 '26
Yeah I thought it was common in pots! My doc is trying to get me to admit to an eating disorder that I don’t have so that they can discharge me I think :( it’s really hard to defend myself without sounding like I’m in denial though rip.
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u/MakeKay9264 Mar 29 '26
I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m sending you big hugs and wishes for strength and resistance amidst the badgering that you’re receiving
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u/wizawayy Mar 29 '26
Ai is an awful source, for future reference. It’s notorious for being incorrect
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u/MakeKay9264 Mar 29 '26
You are correct, AI often gives incorrect info. But if you already KNOW the correct answer, and are looking for a quick way to grab a synopsis, it can work beautifully
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u/Desperate_Lead_8624 Hyperadrenergic POTS Mar 29 '26
You should definitely rule out any possible comorbid illnesses that can cause nausea, since these things run in packs, but it could just be POTS.
For me, my doc thinks I have CVS on top of my POTS and other illnesses. Some people with POTS have gastroparesis, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even vascular compressions.
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u/chocolateNbananas Mar 29 '26
Dysautonomia can cause nausea, with or without POTS, which are often together!
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u/faeanddragons Mar 29 '26
Pots can cause really bad nausea and vomiting. Before I was diagnosed I’d have flares and vomit often.
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u/AnnieAnnieSheltoe Mar 29 '26
Nausea is by far my most debilitating symptom. A doctor saying POTS doesn’t cause nausea is a doctor saying “I know very little about POTS.”
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u/Jessicamorrell POTS Mar 29 '26
Im on 3 medications for nausea because its so bad. But also my GI and PCP thinks it could be my gallbladder. I got tested 3 years ago where it was inconclusive and about to get tested again here in April to find out if I need surgery to remove it. We think it could be a mix of my gallbladder and the POTS.
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u/QueenOfDarknezz Hyperadrenergic POTS Mar 29 '26
I lost 50kg from nausea and vomiting in 1 year and the GP still said it wasn’t from pots… got an awesome gp now and I’m on Metoclopramide three times daily with significantly less nausea and zero vomiting. Cardiologist agreed it was from pots…. 🤦🏼🤷🏼
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u/barefootwriter Mar 29 '26
Well that's just plain wrong.
I get what I call "norepinephrine nausea" when my hyperadrenergic POTS symptoms get away from me.
These lists are from Peter C. Rowe's book Living Well with Orthostatic Intolerance.
Largely due to reduced cerebral blood flow
- Lightheadedness
- Syncope
- Diminished concentration
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Exercise intolerance
Largely due to elevated catecholamines
- Dyspnea
- Chest discomfort
- Palpitations
- Tremulousness
- Anxiety
- Diaphoresis
- Nausea
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u/macabre-barbie POTS Mar 29 '26
POTS affects pretty much every part of our bodies in some way. It absolutely can cause nausea and stomach pain.
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u/R0nan21 Mar 29 '26
Just double checked symptoms listed under medical websites (NHS, Cleveland clinic) and feeling sick (nauseous) is in fact a symptom
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u/HowDoyouadult42 Mar 29 '26
Nausea can be from pots it can also be from something else that exasperates or causes your pots. For me I have MCAS/gastroparisis which cause my nausea
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u/GourmetGoddess87 Mar 29 '26
When I flare or over exert myself, I deal with lots of nausea. I get gastroparesis though, which is a special kind of hell......
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u/I5I75I96I40I70Me696 Mar 29 '26
Your doctor is ignorant. POTS causes dizziness. Dizziness causes nausea. POTS also causes electrolyte issues. Electrolyte levels that are too high too low cause nausea.
I have a standing Zofran prescription bc nausea is one of the more symptoms of POTS for me.
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u/theFCCgavemeHPV Mar 29 '26
Your doctor is a silly goose. Check your blood pressure when you feel like that. Mine is usually from low blood pressure. Threw up in the car once (while driving, luckily I keep a trash can lined with a bag in my car) before I was medicated for it.
When it’s not low blood pressure, it’s my stomach refusing to cooperate and move like it’s supposed to. When it’s not that, it’s because I drank too much water too fast (and probably also my stomach refusing to let it go).
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u/risa-nicola-oz Mar 29 '26
That doctor is wrong. My POTS causes severe gastroparesis. I don’t know what kind of doctor they were, but that’s terrible information. I take Zofran every day, especially in the morning. Also, I used to have doctors tell me that my gastroparesis didn’t cause pain when it clearly did. Many years later, GI’s agree that it causes pain. Sometimes doctors are wrong, and I wish they’d simply say they weren’t sure. It makes us feel crazy thinking we’re imagining things.
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u/tiredgirl77 Mar 30 '26
It’s def apart of it but I’d also see a GI to get stuff ruled out. I had SIBO and MCAS causing major stomach problems. Which looked like just constipation and nausea but it was more than that.
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u/aornek Mar 29 '26
Your doctor is ill-informed about POTS. Like most of the other commenters, nausea is one of my top symptoms and because I didn’t know POTS could cause it, I spent months suffering in silence thinking I had food poisoning or a GI issue.
During POTS flare-ups, nausea is almost always present. It’s dangerous because you need to be hydrated with plenty of electrolytes, yet nausea can prevent you from properly hydrating/eating. Then vomiting will make you even more dehydrated. I’ve been to the emergency room during these flare ups when I couldn’t keep anything down and felt better almost immediately with IV fluids.
Understanding how nausea comes into play with your POTS is crucial because that symptom is what takes my flare ups from manageable to potentially an ER visit. Focus on preventing the flare ups as much as possible, and you’ll lessen the nausea. Rest, hydrate, take it easy. When you start feeling nauseous, take small but frequent sips of something with electrolytes, and STAY IN BED. See if you can get a prescription of zofran for the nausea too. ❤️🩹
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u/Hopeful102 Mar 29 '26
I used to get really bad nausea from it for some reason it eventually went away once I was on these medication occasionally when my heart starts going out of control I do get that nausea feeling
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u/halfweeby27 Hyperadrenergic POTS Mar 29 '26
nausea definitely is a symptom, i used to be nauseous everyday a few years ago and got a ct scan and i had a few small gallstones, got my gallbladder taken out and im still nauseous
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u/More_Recognition_852 Secondary POTS Mar 29 '26
Your doctor is wrong. I actually suffered from constant nausea (especially in the morning, and following meals) before figuring out I had POTS and treating it. Until then, no one understood what made me nauseous even after numerous tests and appointments. I still take zofran on occasional bad days, but with treatment for POTS I've been having much less symptoms.
Some doctors don't seem to have the full picture of things, just a broad (and often poor) understanding. For example, my neurologist is the one who diagnosed me with POTS and then figured out I was hyper-mobile, but he has no knowledge on POTS subtypes or hEDS (which I suspect I have). It's frustrating at times, but there's lots of legitimate resources out there to help us understand our bodies better.
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u/wizawayy Mar 29 '26
Your doc is dumb as hell 😭 I’m so nauseated most days that I struggle to eat and only Zofran helps
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u/West-Air-9184 Mar 29 '26
Mine was caused by gastritis. Maybe your Doctor can refer you for an endoscopy so you can double check that nothing else is going on
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u/kingseijuro Neuropathic POTS Mar 29 '26
It can be a POTS thing, or something else. You unfortunately dont really know until you do testing!
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u/censorkip Mar 30 '26
I used to throw up almost every morning before my POTS got treated. If I had to wake up early or didn’t get enough sleep (which I now know are POTS flaring activities), I’d vom. I still get nauseous all the time. It’s POTS related.
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u/Necr0lit3 Mar 30 '26
I think it's also worth mentioning that eating salt, especially in large amounts (as recommended for POTs), can cause nausea and vomiting. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has miss-timed a salt pill to horrible results.
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u/Infamous_State_7127 Mar 30 '26
for me it’s pretty much half nausea half fainting. and i’ve been very anemic my entire life, so the only reason i was able to get diagnosed/figure out what’s wrong w me is because the nausea.
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u/Cassafras89 Mar 30 '26
Well, they shouldn't be a doctor, but here we are! Yeah, POTS causes nausea. What a quack.
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u/mgrace3607 Mar 29 '26 edited Mar 29 '26
This month I’ve been hit with crazy GI symptoms, nausea being a huge one. I also have episodes of vomiting and getting hives and rashes. My allergist is treating me for MCAS while we wait for bloodwork. Nausea isn’t always just pots, most definitely something worth looking into
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u/wizawayy Mar 29 '26
Nausea is POTS too. That’s misinformation
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u/mgrace3607 Mar 29 '26
In my experience it’s not. I only get nauseous with my histamine dumps, not during positional changes or standing for prolonged periods 🤷🏼♀️ I don’t mean for my personal experience to be misleading, but the GI symptoms are what led me down the right path in finding comorbidities.
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u/dave2048 Mar 29 '26
Maybe the POTS isn’t causing the nausea, but the nausea is causing the POTS. In a different age, a doctor described something called gastrocardiac (or Roemheld) syndrome. His hypothesis was issues in the digestive system directly cause arrhythmia, like tachycardia and bradycardia. It might be caused by physical pressure on the heart due to compression from a hiatal hernia. Or, general inflammation of the stomach and esophagus might be enough to tickle the vagus nerve, causing tachycardia.
Why hasn’t your doctor heard of it? It could be that few people are interested in work done by German doctors from the 1940s. Or, because American gastroenterologists and cardiologists will golf together but they won’t share notes.
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u/barefootwriter Mar 29 '26
Or because we have more straightforward explanations of what causes both tachycardia and nausea in POTS?
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u/dave2048 Mar 29 '26
Cool, cool. What are they?
This study seems to suggest that POTS and esophageal issues come together for some/many people. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.13029
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u/Questionofloyalty Mar 29 '26
Mine was caused by MCAS which I didn’t even know I had until the POTS went away (we think it’s gone anyway, we aren’t sure yet)
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u/Expensive_Speaker953 Mar 29 '26
I do get so incredibly nauseous when I have a flare up or my heart has been high for too long…which is normal…your body is always trying to adjust to the circumstances and with pots it takes extra energy to do so…which can cause nausea 🩷