Fibromyalgia and lupus share some common symptoms. "CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010" states that each condition includes the other in its differential diagnosis list. The similarities of the two illnesses appear so at the very early stages, but when diagnostic exams come into consideration, it becomes obvious that fibromyalgia and lupus bear many important differences.
Definitions
According to "CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010," fibromyalgia tops the list of the most common rheumatic syndromes among women aged 20 to 50 in the United States today. It occurs in 3 to 10 percent of the general population. Systemic erythematosus lupus, or simply, lupus, also occurs mainly in young women. This disease of the connective tissue affects multiple body systems.
Origins
Both fibromyalgia and lupus have unknown origins. Their causes remain a medical mystery according to "Harrison’s Manual of Medicine, 17th ed."
Symptoms
Fibromyalgia presents with widespread aches and pains, fatigue, headaches and areas of numbness. The main symptoms of lupus include fatigue, weight loss, fever and malaise. Although these initial complaints show what both illnesses have in common, from there, they go on in very separate ways.
Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
The source of the pain in fibromyalgia stems from the musculoskeletal system. The “trigger points” show up as pain and tenderness in various points of the body. Common to most sufferers, the trigger points represent the tools for the basis of diagnosis. The pain self-evaluation also plays a role in the diagnosis. The subjectivity of both tests offers no concrete evidence of disease. No lab tests or x-rays can show the presence of this disorder; therefore, other illnesses like lupus must be ruled out before fibromyalgia becomes the diagnosis. "CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010," calls the diagnosis of fibromyalgia “a diagnosis of exclusion”. Ruling out illnesses with similar symptoms becomes the one and only way to date to diagnose this condition.
Diagnosing lupus
By contrast, lupus gives objective findings as seen on lab tests, radiographic studies and ECG. "Harrison’s Manual of Medicine, 17th ed." states because lupus attacks multiple body systems, it eventually shows itself in many ways beyond the initial symptoms. A butterfly-shaped rash appears on the face. The rash also emerges on other skin-exposed parts. Sensitivity to light, hair loss and mouth ulcers emerge. Arthritis attacks the joints and the patient develops anemia or other blood abnormalities. In later stages, the heart, kidneys and brain become involved.
Treatments
Fibromyalgia’s limited treatment includes exercise, tricyclic antidepressants and visualization therapy. Anti-inflammatory medicines prove generally ineffective. In short, the patient must find ways to ease the pain and lessen attacks. Lupus eventually includes so many serious conditions that specific treatments vary according to the ailment. The condition systemic lupus erythematosus is a serious and debilitating disease. For this reason, a person suffering from fibromyalgia takes many tests to rule out this more life-threatening illness.
References
- "CURRENT Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis; 2010
- "Harrison's Manual of Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci et al; 2009
