Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterized by widespread chronic pain throughout the body. Other common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, sometimes referred to as “fibro fog.” While fibromyalgia does not directly cause lung damage or respiratory disease, the experience of shortness of breath can be complex and connected to the condition in various ways.
Understanding the Link
Fibromyalgia is not a respiratory illness and does not directly affect lung function or structure. The sensation of shortness of breath in individuals with fibromyalgia is often a perceived feeling, not a result of impaired lung function. Studies evaluating pulmonary function in fibromyalgia patients find normal results, indicating the lungs work properly. This distinction highlights that while breathlessness is real, it typically does not stem from a primary lung problem caused by fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia’s Contributing Factors
Several aspects of fibromyalgia can contribute to or worsen shortness of breath. Musculoskeletal pain in the chest wall, often called costochondritis, is a common symptom. This inflammation of cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone can cause sharp pain, making deep breathing painful or restricted. Such chest wall restriction or muscle sensitivity can lead to a feeling of not being able to take a full breath.
Chronic fatigue and reduced physical activity, both common in fibromyalgia, can lead to physical deconditioning. This makes the body less efficient at using oxygen, causing even mild exertion to feel strenuous and contributing to breathlessness.
Anxiety and stress, frequently experienced by those with fibromyalgia, can also manifest as hyperventilation or a feeling of not getting enough air. This can create a cycle where the physical symptoms of anxiety mimic shortness of breath, leading to increased worry and further breathing difficulties.
Some medications for fibromyalgia, such as certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants, can cause side effects like drowsiness, which might indirectly influence breathing perception.
Common Co-occurring Conditions
Shortness of breath can also arise from other medical conditions that frequently occur alongside fibromyalgia. Dysautonomia, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, is common in fibromyalgia patients and can cause symptoms like a rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath, especially when standing. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia, involves a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, often accompanied by breathlessness.
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, are common in individuals with fibromyalgia. Sleep apnea causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep. This can result in daytime fatigue and a perceived feeling of breathlessness.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also common in fibromyalgia, can cause chest discomfort or acid reflux that irritates the airways, potentially leading to a cough and a sensation of breathlessness.
Individuals with fibromyalgia may also have other unrelated respiratory conditions like asthma. Fibromyalgia might influence the perception of dyspnea and make asthma control more challenging.
When to Consult a Doctor
Any new, worsening, or severe shortness of breath warrants medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional immediately to rule out serious underlying causes.
Seek urgent medical attention if shortness of breath is sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, difficulty speaking, wheezing, dizziness, or blue lips. Shortness of breath occurring at rest, during mild activity, or worsening when lying down also warrants prompt medical review. A proper diagnosis helps ensure appropriate management and treatment for any underlying condition causing breathing difficulties.