Fibromyalgia symptoms cover a broad range, from physical pain to emotional issues. It can be difficult to tell whether your symptoms are all related to one condition or whether you’re dealing with a number of health issues at once.
One common symptom associated with fibromyalgia is gastrointestinal distress. It is not uncommon for people with fibromyalgia to also receive a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to a new study, people with IBS and fibromyalgia may be more likely to have celiac disease.
The Study
Researchers compared the presence of celiac disease, among other measures, in patients with IBS and those with both IBS and fibromyalgia. None in the IBS group were found to have celiac disease, compared to about 7% in the IBS plus fibromyalgia group. This number is significant, since celiac disease is only thought to affect about 1% of the U.S. population.
Most significant to note is the fact that, once a gluten-free diet was begun by the participants who tested positive for celiac, they experienced all-around symptom improvement. See more on this study at arthritis-research.com.
Celiac and Fibromyalgia
Celiac disease is characterized by an inflammatory response that attacks the lining of the small intestines when gluten is ingested. Primary celiac symptoms include bloating and diarrhea. Untreated Celiac disease can result in intestinal damage and a corresponding inability to absorb nutrients from food properly, leading to malnutrition and related conditions such as osteoporosis, a condition common among women over 50.
Some people with celiac also experience the symptom of joint pain. Though it’s not known exactly why, it’s believed that the inflammation caused by the condition may not be limited to the small intestines in some individuals. Joints may also suffer from inflammation, causing them to be stiff and sore.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle and joint pain. Since gastrointestinal distress is another common fibromyalgia symptom, it’s no big surprise that celiac may go unsuspected and undiagnosed in people with fibromyalgia.
If you have Celiac disease, it’s important to begin treatment in the form of a gluten-free diet as soon as possible. This will not only save your intestines from damage and your body from the effects of malnutrition, but may even alleviate some of your fibromyalgia symptoms as well.
It’s important to consider all possible causes of your symptoms. Given the likely higher prevalence of celiac disease among those with fibromyalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms, doctors and patients need to be aware of it as a possible factor.