Differential Diagnosis for Full Body Flushed Hot Feeling with POTS
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with associated anxiety or stress response: This diagnosis is likely because the patient is already experiencing POTS, and the full body flushed hot feeling could be related to the autonomic nervous system dysfunction that characterizes POTS.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anxiety or panic disorder: These conditions can cause physical symptoms such as a flushed feeling, rapid heartbeat, and sweating, which may be exacerbated by POTS.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause symptoms such as heat intolerance, palpitations, and flushing, which could be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
- Menopause or perimenopause: Hormonal changes during this time can cause hot flashes, which may be perceived as a full body flushed hot feeling.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of hypertension, tachycardia, and flushing, which could be life-threatening if missed.
- Neuroendocrine tumor (e.g., carcinoid syndrome): These tumors can produce hormones that cause flushing, diarrhea, and other symptoms, and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated.
- Autonomic dysfunction due to underlying neurodegenerative disease (e.g., multiple system atrophy): Certain neurodegenerative diseases can cause autonomic dysfunction, which may manifest as POTS and other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Mastocytosis: A condition characterized by an accumulation of mast cells in the body, which can cause symptoms such as flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A genetic disorder that can cause autonomic dysfunction, including POTS, and other symptoms such as joint hypermobility and skin fragility.
- Mitochondrial disease: A group of disorders that affect the mitochondria, which can cause a range of symptoms including autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, and heat intolerance.