Besides a g-suit, what are other ways to treat Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)?
Talk with your doctor to find a treatment that is right for you. It may require a combination of therapies. These are some of the possibilities: • Increase salt intake (up to 10-15 g sodium daily). (4, 5, 6, 7) • Increase water intake (64 oz. water per day). (4, 5, 6, 7) • Also increase salt and water intake during exercise, hot weather, and illness (cold or flu). (5) • Check prescription and over-the-counter medications for side effect of Orthostatic Intolerance (OI). (5) • Exercise can promote blood flow. (5) • Go slowly when getting up from sitting or lying down. (5) • To improve circulation, stretch your feet back and forth before standing up. (5) • When feeling dizzy, sit down. (5) • Elevate the head of the bed by 5-20 degrees. (5, 6) • Wear compression garments (g-suit, MAST, elastic support stockings, girdles, abdominal binders). (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) • Try a drink that has caffeine (250 mg) in the morning. (5) • Learn to avoid things that can make Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) worse.
