Summer can be a tricky time for those with dysautonomia due to heat sensitivity. But with the right toolbox, you can enjoy summer fun while not sending yourself into a flare-up. I used to avoid summer activities when it got above 75 degrees because I would immediately start feeling a flare come on but I rarely ever have issues now!
What is dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term that refers to several different medical conditions. For example POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). Dysautonomia is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for all “automatic” functions in the body like breathing, blinking, sweating, heart rate, etc. When there is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system everything it controls is affected.
Symptoms:
- low blood pressure
- fainting
- light-headedness
- heat sensitive
- abnormal heart
- bloating
- trouble swallowing
- excessive sweating or not being able to sweat
- feeling thirst all the time
- headaches
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1. Mini Fan
Keeping a mini fan on me AT ALL times during the summer has become a must. It’s so convenient anytime I start to feel like I’m getting overheated or just yucky because of heat. I have one in every purse I carry. I really like this one because it’s rechargeable so you never have to worry about the batteries running out on you. And you can throw it around your neck and let it run to have a nice constant breeze. Keeping a mini fan on me during the summer has made being in the heat bearable, and has helped me avoid passing out on multiple occasions. It’s tiny but mighty.
2. UV Umbrella
Investing in a UV umbrella changed the game for summertime. I carry mine everywhere I go. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t want to spend $25 if I wasn’t going to use it, and I was kind of embarrassed to carry an umbrella everywhere during the summer. But it’s seriously been one of the best purchases I have made. I am able to stay out in the heat longer when the sun not beating down on me, and I can just enjoy being outside not constantly trying to find shade. Since it’s UV reflective it feels a couple of degrees cooler under the umbrella.
3. Liquid IV
There are many ways you can get your salt intake and electrolytes in throughout the day. I personally swear by liquid IVs. I know they can be a little pricey, but I genuinely feel like they are worth it. I’ve tried salt pills, incorporating salt into all my meals, and other drinks like liquid IVs. And liquid IVs just take the cake. All the flavors they sell are good (they taste exactly like a Gatorade to me), I feel better instantly, easy to find, and they are convenient. They are worth every penny to me. I recommend trying lemon-lime or strawberry!
4. Cooling towel
A cooling towel is the quickest way I have found to cool down from the heat. I like them because you get a cooling effect on your skin, but you don’t get wet. I never go out into the heat without mine. Once you realize how comfortable you can make being out in the heat. You won’t go back. This is a good option for anyone with a small budget because just having something that will quickly cool down and regulate your body temperature makes all the difference in how long I’m able to withstand heat. It has been super helpful for me. It’s light and can fight in any size bag, and overall just a super convenient and affordable option.
Don’t miss out on summer fun due to dysautonomia. Build your dysautonomia toolbox with us. Let us know what you use to survive the heat. We are always trying to expand our toolbox here at The Autoimmune Pill.
Check out our free resource library to grab a copy of our element tracker, and symptom tracker printable. I love being able to see patterns of my flareups due to outside elements if you’re interested in grabbing a copy click here.
