Summer can be a nightmare for someone with POTS. A lot of people with POTS have heat intolerance, and the hot, humid days can make us feel very ill. It makes my tachycardia so much worse (and it’s really bad to begin with), I feel weak, I sweat (a lot), and my dizziness is worse. Some people with POTS have the problem where they can’t sweat, which can lead to heatstroke. Getting through the summer can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have air conditioning, but there’s a few things that you can use to make it just a little bit easier.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
1. A towel that you can wet to keep you cool
You just wet it and put it around your neck. Helps in the heat so much!
2. An insulated tumbler to keep your drinks cold
I’m a water snob, and it needs to be cold. Ice cold. Room temperature water is gross to me, and somehow always hurts my throat when I drink it (I don’t know how). I’ve had this Yeti for years, and it keeps my water ice cold, even when it’s sitting in the sun. It’s the best. This is the color I have too!
3. Electrolyte Drinks
Sweating removes salt from the body, and when you have POTS, you need more salt than the average person. Electrolytes are the quickest way for us to replenish this, but I will admit that it’s hard for me to get any electrolyte drink down. People swear by these, but I have trouble drinking any of them because when I was 18 I had a colonoscopy and used Lemon-Lime Gatorade (my favorite flavor back then) to drink the prep. It was disgusting, and tasted like salt water. Since that, I can’t drink any drink with electrolytes without gagging. They all taste the same to me, no matter the flavor. They’re so important for those of us with POTS, and I know Liquid IV is supposed to be one of the best, so I need to try different flavors to see how I do. This one sounds yummy! I bought some to test out.
4. Fans, Fans, Fans!
When I first saw this, I thought they were headphones. Clever design, because it’s actually a fan. I first saw it on a waitress, and I’ve seen it a few times since. It’s now on my wish list, it’s perfect for those summer days! This looks like a lifesaver.
I had one of these when I was younger, and it was the best. It’s time to get one again, because this can really come in handy while outside for any period of time in the summer. The misting aspect is just a plus!
Another option is this necklace fan. This looks like a beeper from my youth! Great if you’re going to Disney World, or another theme park. How judged would I be if I used all of these at once? 😂
5. A blanket that keeps you cool
Another thing that has been added to my wish list. A cooling blanket?! I didn’t know such a thing existed. I’ve been getting really bad night sweats for the past couple of years, and this could be a game changer.
6. A hat you can get wet to keep you cool
This hat is supposed to cool to 30 degrees below body temperature just by wetting the hat. I already added it to cart! I’m going away next month and I definitely need to have this with me.
7. Air Conditioning
If I had to choose only 1 thing to get through summers, it would 100% be air conditioners. I cannot live without it. Between the heat intolerance, the weakness, the tachycardia, and the rashes, air conditioning is an absolute necessity for me. I could never live without it, and I’m just thankful I don’t have to, because I honestly don’t think I’d survive without it.
At least now they have portable AC units that you can put in your house or apartment if you don’t have the ability to get a window or wall unit. This can literally save lives.
7. Ice Packs
Gel Cold & Hot Packs
These are great because they can be used for multiple purposes. Hot and cold, injury or overheated. This pack is great because there’s multiple sizes, depending where you want to use them. This can really come in handy if you get overheated, especially around the back of your neck.
Managing the heat in the summer is difficult for anyone, but the chronically ill and the elderly have to be even more careful. Aside from these products, make sure you apply SPF, and try to stay out of the sun as much as you can.
There are a few types of heat sickness, and it’s important to know and recognize the symptoms of each. It starts with heat rash, and progresses to the most severe, which is heat stroke.
- Heat rash – Also known as “Prickly heat” or “Miliaria” (not to be confused with Malaria), is a condition that occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. It causes a red, stinging irritation on the skin, that can range from small pimples or blisters to deep, inflamed lumps. It can be be very itchy.
- Heat cramps – painful, involuntary muscle spasms. Usually due to fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Heat exhaustion – caused by not enough fluids and prolonged time in high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, fast and weak pulse, rapid breathing, nausea and/or vomiting, muscle cramps, and more.
- Heat stroke – the most severe of the heat sicknesses, this is a life-threatening emergency that needs to be treated seriously. It occurs when the body temperature rises to 106°F (41°C) or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
