Fibromyalgia: A Chronic and Painful Disease Affecting Millions
Published: February 25, 2021
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by widespread and persistent pain in muscles and bones. The pain is often described as similar to that experienced in joints, but it is not a joint disease. The disease also causes fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues, and mood changes in many patients.
Fibromyalgia: A Disease That Affects Women the Most
Fibromyalgia is a disease that primarily affects women, with 2% to 6% of the population suffering from it. However, it was not recognized as a disease until 1992, and before that, it was considered a psychological somatization disorder or an imaginary pathology.
Understanding Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an abnormality in pain perception, causing those who suffer from it to perceive stimuli as painful that are not. The pain can vary with the time of day, activity, temperature, lack of sleep, and stress.
Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia
Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment for fibromyalgia, but medications can help alleviate the pain and insomnia it causes. One of the side effects of medication is dry mouth, which can cause difficulties with reading in public.
Personal Experience with Fibromyalgia
Andrea Levy, a politician, has spoken publicly about her experience with fibromyalgia, describing it as a disease that causes "almost paralyzing" pain throughout the body. She has also spoken about the impact it has on her daily life, including difficulties with reading in public due to dry mouth.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and painful disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure, medications can help alleviate the symptoms. It is essential to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on those who suffer from it.
