Fibromyalgia symptoms overlapping with primary Sjögren’s syndrome is linked to severe depression. Sjögren’s syndrome begins with symptoms such as dry eyes and dry mouth, as it affects the salivary glands. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, whereas the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. The analysis conducted on Sjögren’s syndrome patients uncovered a high prevalence of fibromyalgia – at least in 30 percent of patients – and found much overlap between the two conditions.
The researchers looked at 100 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome to identify the fibromyalgia comorbidity.
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Sjögren’s syndrome patients may not only experience dry eyes and mouth, but also joint inflammation, muscle inflammation, nerve inflammation, thyroid issues, kidney inflammation, and inflammation in other parts of the body as well. Fibromyalgia contributes to chronic pain, which can impact a person mentally, physically, and socially.
Symptomatically speaking, fibromyalgia can mimic many other arthritic conditions and is also known as a rheumatic condition, affecting joints and soft tissues. Patients living with fibromyalgia may experience headache, fatigue, sleep disturbances, tender points, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual periods, numbness or tingling of extremities, restless leg syndrome, and sensitivity to temperature changes, noises, and bright light.
The likelihood of experiencing a coexisting condition with fibromyalgia is quite high.
It’s important to distinguish between fibromyalgia and Sjögren’s syndrome as both conditions require unique forms of treatment and, in fact, some treatments for fibromyalgia can actually worsen Sjögren’s syndrome, and vice versa. Both conditions can be difficult to diagnose, because pain and fatigue are staple symptoms for numerous health conditions, so ruling out other conditions can help narrow in on a diagnosis.
The Korean study found fibromyalgia in 31 percent of Sjögren’s syndrome cases, which leads to a conclusion that the fibromyalgia prevalence is quite high in Sjögren’s syndrome.
Fibromyalgia and its association with Sjögren’s syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes extreme dryness all over the body. The moisture-producing glands are attacked by the immune system, thus contributing to dryness. This dryness can make everyday living quite uncomfortable.
Sjögren’s syndrome may accompany a connective tissue disease, and this is how it could be related to fibromyalgia. Between 35 and 50 percent of fibromyalgia patients also have Sjögren’s syndrome, and the discomfort of Sjögren’s syndrome can make further exacerbate living with fibromyalgia.
Speak to your doctor about treating both fibromyalgia and Sjögren’s syndrome because, as mentioned, some treatments for one condition may negatively affect the other.
Related Reading:
Fibromyalgia treatment using muscle-strengthening exercises shows benefits: Study
Fibromyalgia treatment using muscle-stretching exercises has shown benefits, studies show. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and stiffness, and although it may seem like living with these symptoms may hinder exercising and stretching, these are actually beneficial for the improvement of fibromyalgia. Continue reading…
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Fibromyalgia pain associated with cytokines and oxidized LDL levels
Fibromyalgia pain is associated with cytokines and oxidized LDL levels. The study looked at 48 patients with fibromyalgia and 43 healthy women. Researchers assessed the participants’ functional status, severity of the symptoms, and the number of tender points using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Widespread pain was also assessed with the VAS, the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS). Blood serum was examined for interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Continue reading…
Sources:
http://www.clinexprheumatol.org/abstract.asp?a=9152
http://fibromyalgianewstoday.com/2015/09/11/study-finds-30-patients-primary-sjogrens-syndrome-may-also-fibromyalgia/
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_sjogrens.html
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
