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Why Does My Teen Get Dizzy in the Shower? (The POTS Connection)

  • Writer: Michael Chen
    Michael Chen
  • Jan 26
  • 2 min read
POTS shower dizziness vasodilation

The Struggle is Real

Does your teenager dread taking a shower? Do they have to sit down immediately after, looking pale, exhausted, or feeling like they might faint?


As a parent, this is terrifying to watch. You might wonder if they are just dehydrated, anxious, or if something more serious is going on. We want to validate what you are seeing:

The "Shower Crash" is real. It is a classic symptom of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and autonomic dysregulation.


It’s not in their head—it’s in their blood vessels.


The Clinical 'Why': It’s a Perfect Storm

Dr. John Fortunato explains that a shower creates a "perfect storm" for a body with POTS. Here is the simple biology of what is happening:

  1. Gravity Works Against Them: When your teen stands still in the shower, gravity pulls blood down into their legs and abdomen. In a healthy person, the body pumps it back up. In a teen with POTS, the blood vessels don't squeeze effectively, leading to blood pooling.

  2. Heat Make it Worse: Hot water causes blood vessels to widen (dilate). This makes it even harder for blood to get back to the heart and brain.

  3. The Vagal Hit: The combination of heat and standing can trigger a "vagal response," which leads to that sudden wave of nausea, retching, or abdominal pain that often accompanies the dizziness.


Basically, their brain isn't getting enough blood flow, and their heart is racing to compensate. That is why they feel like they just ran a marathon after standing still for 10 minutes.


Actionable Tips: How to "POTS-Proof" the Shower You don't have to avoid showers forever. Dr. Fortunato recommends these adjustments to keep your teen safe:

  • Lower the Temp: Avoid hot, steamy showers. Lukewarm water prevents those blood vessels from widening too much.

  • Use a Shower Chair: Take gravity out of the equation. Sitting down allows blood to circulate better and prevents falls if they get dizzy.

  • Pre-Game Hydration: Have them drink a glass of water with electrolytes (salt) before getting in.

  • The "Cool Down" Recovery: Treat a shower like a workout. Your teen needs recovery time immediately after. Have them lie down in a cool room to help blood return to the heart and brain.


Don't Do This Alone

If a simple daily task like showering is disrupting your child's life, they deserve expert care that understands why.

 
 
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