Post-viral illness is not new
National Institute of Health
“We also got worried very early on that one of the long term consequences of this terrible epidemic that there could be a large number of people who develop ME/CFS after covid. And that’s what’s happening now. And unfortunately we still don’t know enough to prevent this from happening.”
– Walter J. Koroshetz, M.D
Director of the NIH, National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Patients with post-COVID conditions may share some of the symptoms that occur in patients who experience myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, dysautonomia, and mast cell activation syndrome.”
“Symptom management approaches that have been helpful for these disorders may also benefit some patients with post-COVID conditions (e.g., activity management (pacing) for post-exertional malaise).”
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
“Mast cell activation has also been suggested to play an important role in Long COVID/PASC, due to atypical responses to SARS-CoV-2 by the dysfunctional mast cells.”
–Covid-19 hyperinflammation and post-Covid-19 illness may be rooted in mast cell activation syndrome
Let’s explore these conditions
* This is for information only, please consult with your doctor.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Symptoms
• Severe Exhaustion
• “Flu like symptoms”
• Exertion-induced symptoms, both mental and physical stressors.
• Post Exertional Malaise (PEM)
• Orthostatic intolerance (lightheaded on standing) – see dysautonomia
https://solvecfs.org/management-and-treatment-of-me-cfs/
Treatment
*Consult with your doctor*
Look for doctors who are familiar with this condition and willing to treat it.
• Rest, “pacing ““Energy envelope”“Spoon theory”
• NSAID’s as needed
• “GRADED EXERCISE THERAPY (GET)” HAS BEEN PROVEN INEFFECTIVE AND POTENTIALLY HARMFUL
Nervous System Dysfunction – Dysautonomia
(POTs & Orthostatic Hypotention)
Symptoms
• Inability to stay upright (postural intolerance)
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Palpitations
• Fast / slow / irregular heart rate
• Chest pain
• Low blood pressure
• Stomach problems
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances
• Fatigue
• Tremors or shaking
• Concentration problems
• Memory problems
• Poor appetite
• Temperature regulation problems
• Overactive senses, noise, light, etc.
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – POTS
Heart Rate increases +30 when standing
• Orthostatic Hypotension – OH
Blood Pressure drops *can also include increases in heart rate
http://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/pdf/RoweOIsummary.pdf
Treatment
*Consult with your doctor*
Look for doctors who are familiar with this condition and willing to treat it. Typically a neurologist or cardiologist.
• Compression gear
• Legs
• Midsection
• Electrolyte drinks (Liquid IV & Drip Drop)
• Avoid triggers – heat, dehydration, stress, alcohol
• Medications via cardiologist if lifestyle changes do not work
*Do not POWER THROUGH dizziness. A person with OH is not getting enough blood & oxygen to their organs when having a spell and is at risk. When they are dizzy, lay with legs up.*
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome – MCAS
Symptoms
• “Allergies” / anaphylaxis responses
• Rapid pulse
• Hives
• Swelling
• Rashes
• Runny nose
• Sore Throat
• Wheezing
• Cough and Sneeze
• Stomach issues
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/related-conditions/mcas
Treatment
*Consult with your doctor*
Look for doctors who are familiar with this condition and willing to treat it. Typically an allergist or immunologist.
Treated with Histamine blockers (H1R–H4R)
• H1 Drugs – Zyrtec, Xyzal, etc.
• H2 Drugs – Pepcid, Chromaline, etc.
• Mast Cell Stabilizers
