FIBROMYALGIA

18th July, 2023 Science and Technology

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Context: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that not only affects the quality of life of those who have it but also increases their risk of various adverse outcomes, according to a new study published in the journal Rheumatology.

Details

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. It affects millions of people worldwide, but its exact causes and mechanisms are still unclear. It increases their risk of various adverse outcomes, according to a new study published in the journal Rheumatology.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 2 million people in Sweden, including over 40,000 people with fibromyalgia. They found that people with fibromyalgia had a higher risk of death from suicide, infection, and accidents than the general population.
The researchers suggest that these higher risks may be due to several factors, such as the chronic pain and fatigue that fibromyalgia cause, the psychological distress and social isolation that it may trigger, and the lack of adequate recognition and treatment by some healthcare providers.
- They call for more awareness and education among medical professionals and the public about the serious consequences of fibromyalgia, and for more research and resources to improve the diagnosis and management of this condition

Key Findings of the Study

The most striking finding was that people with fibromyalgia had a more than three-fold higher risk of suicide than those without the condition. This could be explained by the chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological distress that fibromyalgia patients experience, as well as the stigma and lack of recognition that they often face from the medical community and society.
People with fibromyalgia had a 44% higher risk of infections, such as pneumonia and septicemia. This could be related to immune system dysfunction and inflammation which are thought to play a role in the development of fibromyalgia. Infections can also worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia and increase the need for medical care.
They had a higher risk of accidents, such as falls and traffic collisions. This could be due to fatigue, poor sleep quality, and concentration problems that are common among fibromyalgia patients. Accidents can also aggravate the pain and disability caused by fibromyalgia.
They had a lower risk of dying from cancer than those without the condition. The researchers speculated that this could be because people with fibromyalgia tend to visit healthcare professionals more frequently, which may lead to earlier detection and treatment of cancer.

The researchers concluded that fibromyalgia is not only a painful and debilitating condition, but also a potentially life-threatening one. They recommended that healthcare providers monitor the physical and mental health of fibromyalgia patients closely, and provide them with adequate support and treatment to reduce their risk of death.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue, as well as other symptoms such as cognitive difficulties, sleeps problems, and mood disorders.
The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but it may involve genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
It affects more women than men, and it can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who live with it.
It may also have more serious consequences than just pain and discomfort. According to a recent analysis, fibromyalgia may be linked to a higher risk of death from various causes, such as suicide, accidents, and infections.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but the symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication, exercise, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and other interventions.
- Medication can help reduce pain and improve sleep quality, exercise can improve physical function and mood, and cognitive-behavioural therapy can help cope with stress and negative thoughts.