Lupus and fibromyalgia are rheumatic disorders with overlapping symptoms, but they are distinct conditions. Lupus attacks tissues, joints, and organs, while fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and fatigue. Lupus is diagnosed through blood tests, while fibromyalgia is diagnosed through tender point testing. Treatment varies for each condition.
Lupus and fibromyalgia are rheumatic disorders that share some symptoms and can be experienced by patients at the same time. Despite this overlap, lupus and fibromyalgia are distinct conditions that each patient will experience in their own way. In cases of lupus, the patient’s tissues, joints and organs are attacked by the immune system. Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience some symptoms similar to those associated with lupus but without experiencing inflammation, joint or organ damage, or many of the other complications that come with lupus, including vulnerability to other infections such as colds, shingles and pneumonia.
Lupus and fibromyalgia are both chronic disorders, but the latter does not cause inflammation or damage to organs and tissues. Fibromyalgia is generally characterized by widespread pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as specific tender points and fatigue. Unlike lupus, fibromyalgia is not progressive and does not leave the patient vulnerable to other medical problems or diseases.
The pathology of lupus is better understood than that of fibromyalgia, although the specific cause of the condition is still debated among medical professionals. Unlike fibromyalgia, lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the body’s immune system activating its own joints, tissues and organs. People with lupus typically experience a few symptoms distinct from those of fibromyalgia, such as joint swelling, organ damage, and a characteristic butterfly-like facial rash or scaly rash.
Blood and other tests can help a doctor determine whether or not a patient has lupus. Antinuclear antibody testing, double-stranded DNA testing, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are all blood tests a doctor may order to diagnose lupus. Additionally, a doctor may order a urinalysis or evaluation of the kidneys and liver if they suspect an individual has lupus.
There are no lab tests or imaginary scans that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Doctors who suspect fibromyalgia often rule out similar conditions first and test 18 specific points on the patient’s body for tenderness. A patient meets the criteria for fibromyalgia if she is tender in at least 11 of 18 places and has had widespread muscle pain for more than three months.
Treatment for lupus and fibromyalgia can vary significantly. Lupus is commonly treated with corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, or immunosuppressants. Conversely, antidepressants, pain relievers, and antiepileptic drugs are typical treatment options for fibromyalgia. It is important for patients seeking a diagnosis to find a doctor who is familiar with lupus and fibromyalgia.
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