The link between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome) are disorders associated with chronic pain. So what's the link between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome?

Fibromyalgia symptoms in women are often more severe than in men. Women are more likely to have widespread pain, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and morning fatigue than men.
The transition to menopause in women can make fibromyalgia worse.

Fibromyalgia flares can be the result of:
Stress Trauma An illness, such as the flu An imbalance of brain chemicals that can cause the brain and nervous system to misinterpret or overreacting to normal pain signals.
Other factors that increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia include:
Gender: Most cases of fibromyalgia are now diagnosed in women, despite the reasons for the gender disparity. This is not clear. Age: You are more likely to be diagnosed in middle age, and your risk increases as you age. However, children can also get fibromyalgia. Family history: If you have close family members with fibromyalgia, you may be at greater risk of developing it. Illness: Although fibromyalgia is not a form of arthritis, having lupus or RA can increase your risk of developing fibromyalgia.

According to the UNC Center for GI Dysfunction & Movement Disorders, fibromyalgia occurs in 60% of people with irritable bowel syndrome. And up to 70% of people with fibromyalgia have symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome share common clinical features:
Both present painful symptoms that cannot be explained by biochemical or structural abnormalities. Common in women Symptoms are largely stress-related. Disturbed sleep and fatigue are common in both. Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy can effectively treat either condition. The same medications can treat both conditions. Exactly how fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome are related is not well understood. But many pain experts interpret this connection as a single disorder that causes pain in different areas throughout life.

If you have both fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, your doctor may recommend prescription medications, including:
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Reuptake inhibitors erotonin-norepinephrine (SNRI), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) Anti-seizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) Your doctor may also recommend non-drug therapies, such as :
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Regular exercise Stress reduction Because fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome share similar clinical features and overlap of symptoms, researchers Medics are looking for a possible link to the treatment of one or both conditions.
If you have fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, or both, talk to your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing and consider your treatment options.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

References
Chang L. (n.d.). The association of irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. med.unc.edu/ibs/files/2017/10/Fibromyalgia-and-IBS.pdf Clauw DJ. (2015). Fibromyalgia and related conditions. DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.014