OpenHealth Q&A

Could POTS and a UTI Be the Cause of My Symptoms?

Hello everyone! I’m an 18-year-old female who has recently received a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) from my doctor. To confirm the diagnosis, I sought a second opinion, which aligned with the first. This diagnosis provides clarity for some of the issues I’ve been facing, such as fatigue, feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness, elevated heart rates ranging from 140 to 160 BPM despite maintaining normal blood pressure, and my struggle to stand for long periods. However, it doesn’t account for everything. For the management of my POTS symptoms, I'm currently on a regimen that includes betahistines and propranolol. Additionally, I’ve scheduled a visit to address my worries concerning a potential urinary tract infection (UTI), as I’ve been experiencing symptoms like painful urination and issues with urinary retention. There are also other symptoms that I suspect are not related to either POTS or a UTI, and I’ll outline them below. If you find any of these symptoms unusual or particularly alarming in relation to my conditions, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you in advance for your help! **List of Symptoms:** **1. Significant fluctuations in body temperature throughout the day** In the morning, my temperature tends to dip to mild hypothermia, around 34 to 34°C (93 to 95°F). As the evening approaches, I experience a rapid spike reaching 37.7 to 38.8°C (100.4 to 101.8°F). Initially, I was skeptical about how much my temperature was shifting or my baseline being that low, but my healthcare provider has confirmed these variations. This symptom is particularly concerning for me, although my doctor doesn't view it as cause for alarm. **2. Intense night sweats** These episodes are severe enough that I often wake up with my clothes and bed sheets soaked. **3. General feelings of malaise** I frequently experience a combination of nausea, extreme fatigue, a stuffy nose, sore throat, and an overall feeling of being unwell. **4. Recent blood test findings** I acknowledge that my blood test results may not be reliable, but here they are for reference: - First test results: [link to results] - Second test results (taken twenty days later): [link to results] I suspect that the rise in lymphocytes from the first to the second test may be due to my suspected UTI, but I’m unsure. **5. Ongoing headache located between my eyes** This discomfort has persisted for about a week, offering relief solely when I’m asleep. I initially thought this might be due to eye strain, prompting me to take breaks from screens and use pain relief medication. Furthermore, due to the symptoms related to POTS, I’ve been consuming more water, which rules out dehydration as a cause. If you have questions or would like me to elaborate on any points, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your assistance!

Answers (1)

7/8/2025, 3:41:07 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're navigating a complex set of symptoms with your diagnosis of POTS and the possibility of a UTI. Let’s break this down to address your concerns and provide some actionable steps to manage your health.

Main Points:

1. Your POTS diagnosis explains many symptoms, but you have additional concerns that need addressing.
2. The fluctuation in body temperature, night sweats, malaise, and persistent headaches are concerning, especially when coupled with your UTI symptoms.

Understanding Your Symptoms:

• POTS: This condition can cause dizziness and elevated heart rates, which you've experienced. Symptoms like fatigue are common due to the body's difficulty with blood pressure regulation.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Painful urination and retention suggest a UTI may be present, and it’s good that you’re following up on this.
• Fluctuating Body Temperature & Night Sweats: Temperature variations can be related to autonomic dysfunction (common in POTS), infection, or other underlying issues.
• Persistent Malaise: This can stem from many factors, including the stress of managing chronic conditions, infections, or inflammatory processes.
• Headaches: These could be tension headaches, potentially linked to factors such as anxiety or posture, especially considering your prolonged bed rest due to POTS.

Next Steps:

1. Follow Up on UTI Symptoms: Make sure to discuss your urinary symptoms with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a urine culture to confirm a UTI and determine appropriate treatment.

2. Monitor Temperature Changes: Keep a daily log of your body temperature, noting when you experience dips and spikes. This can help your provider see patterns and decide on further testing if necessary.

3. Hydration and Electrolytes: Continue drinking plenty of fluids, but also consider incorporating electrolytes, which can be beneficial for POTS management and help with hydration.

4. Manage Night Sweats: Try adjusting bedroom temperature and using moisture-wicking pajamas. If these episodes persist, discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they could indicate other underlying issues.

5. Headache Relief: Continue taking breaks from screens. If headaches persist, consider discussing headache management strategies or potential medication adjustments with your doctor, especially if they interfere with daily life.

6. Symptom Diary: Keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms, food intake, hydration, and medication can provide valuable insight for you and your healthcare providers.

Conclusion:

Your health is complex, and it's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms. These next steps will help you manage your current concerns and provide valuable information to your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to voice all your worries in your upcoming appointments, as clear communication is key to effective management. You're not alone in this, and support is available.