These symptoms affect several different organ systems, but what do they have in common? The autonomic nervous system. These symptoms overlap in situations where there is a high sympathetic tone and a parasympathetic low tone.
General symptoms
- Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life activities
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
Aging
- Accelerated aging can occur due to long covid. For more info click here.
Respiratory and heart symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath – while the sympathetic nervous system does dilate the airways, it can make it harder to breath due to extra work it puts on the breathing muscles.
- Cough and chest pain
- Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
Digestive symptoms
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
Other symptoms
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rash
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Neurological symptoms
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)
- Pins-and-needles Sensation
- Change in smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety