A study by the Kennedy Krieger Institute in the US has shown that most children with Long Covid are likely to experience orthostatic intolerance (OI).
As a result, children often feel dizzy, lightheaded, tired, and may experience "brain fog" or cognitive difficulties.
The team examined nearly 100 children and found that dizziness (67 percent), fatigue (25 percent), and body aches (23 percent) were common symptoms, which worsened when standing but improved when lying down.
These symptoms can make it difficult to do everyday activities like exercising, going to school, and socializing, which can have a serious impact on their quality of life.
Additionally, research shows that OI is prevalent among children who are struggling with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The team found that 71 percent of patients studied at the institute experienced at least one orthostatic condition.
Dr. Laura Malone, director of the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic at Kennedy Krieger, said the findings illustrate the relevance of screening pediatric long-COVID patients for OI, as many have such symptoms. Which can be ignored without proper testing.
"Research proves that this condition is common," he said, urging "prompt diagnosis and treatment" that would help children recover and return to their normal routines.
Calling for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, the researchers stressed the need to increase salt and fluid intake, exercise training and physical therapy in children, in addition to medications to control heart rate and blood pressure.
However, Malone says more research is needed to fully understand OI.
As a result, children often feel dizzy, lightheaded, tired, and may experience "brain fog" or cognitive difficulties.
The team examined nearly 100 children and found that dizziness (67 percent), fatigue (25 percent), and body aches (23 percent) were common symptoms, which worsened when standing but improved when lying down.
These symptoms can make it difficult to do everyday activities like exercising, going to school, and socializing, which can have a serious impact on their quality of life.
Additionally, research shows that OI is prevalent among children who are struggling with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The team found that 71 percent of patients studied at the institute experienced at least one orthostatic condition.
Dr. Laura Malone, director of the Pediatric Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Clinic at Kennedy Krieger, said the findings illustrate the relevance of screening pediatric long-COVID patients for OI, as many have such symptoms. Which can be ignored without proper testing.
"Research proves that this condition is common," he said, urging "prompt diagnosis and treatment" that would help children recover and return to their normal routines.
Calling for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, the researchers stressed the need to increase salt and fluid intake, exercise training and physical therapy in children, in addition to medications to control heart rate and blood pressure.
However, Malone says more research is needed to fully understand OI.
