01 All you need to know about fibromyalgia in long COVID patients
Although the number of coronavirus cases have dropped under and many have received their COVID vaccines, the long-term risks posed by the deadly SARs-COV-2 virus continues to raise concerns all over the world.
Long COVID, also known as Post-COVID Syndrome, has affected many people and continues to plague people's lives and livelihoods. When a person recovers from a respiratory illness, they continue to struggle with chronic symptoms such as fatigue, persistent cough, weakness and more.
According to experts, fibromyalgia is another illness that affects many post-covid patients, leading to muscle aches, fatigue and sleep disturbances.
02 What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition characterized by widespread muscle pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood-related disorders, memory problems and more. The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be similar to those of arthritis, which, unlike arthritis, does not cause inflammation of the previous joint or muscle. It only affects the soft tissues and not the joints.
03 How prone are long COVID patients to fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is reported in many patients who have recovered from coronavirus. Chronic complications and fibromyalgia are another painful disease.
According to an Italian study based on a web survey, out of 600 patients, 30.7 percent fit the category for a fibromyalgia diagnosis laid down by the American College of Rheumatology at a mean of 6 months after having had COVID-19.
The researchers wrote, In light of the high number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, it is reasonable to assume that rheumatologists will experience a drastic increase in new entity cases defined as 'fibromyalgia COVID'.
04 What causes such a condition in long haulers?
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases found that about 5 million adults aged 18 years and above in the United States experience fibromyalgia, and 80 to 90 percent of fibromyalgia patients are women.
In terms of chronic COVID patients, several factors contribute to the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Some risk factors may include obesity, intensive care or treatment with supplemental oxygen when dealing with COVID -19, or fibromyalgia in post COVID patients.
Although the exact cause is not known, experts still believe it is genetic.
05 Symptoms to watch out for
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by its wide range of symptoms. Muscle aches, insomnia, fatigue, muscle and joint pain are Some of them common symptoms. It can be accompanied by brain haze, anxiety, headaches, numbness in the hands and feet, irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders of memory and concentration.
06 Can fibromyalgia be treated?
Fibromyalgia is painful and uncomfortable, it can be treated and managed. As each patient suffers from different symptoms, treatments may vary accordingly.
Here are some common treatments that can help you overcome fibromyalgia.
- Regular exercises
- Meditation
- Physical therapy and acupuncture
- Massage
- Focus on a healthy and a proper diet
- Avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and leading a sedentary life
- Improve your sleep
- While fibromyalgia can increase your risk of anxiety and depression, do not shy away from seeking support.
Please note that you should consult a physician before making any decisions regarding treatments.
You must be logged in to post a comment.