There is a silent killer disease silently affecting patients worldwide with many not even knowing they are suffering from it. This disease is often overlooked by medical professionals, yet it affects 1 in 4 patients on average.

In this article, we will take a closer look at this unacknowledged disease and provide insights into its symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.

The Definition of Silent Killer Disease

Before understanding the silent killer disease, it is essential first to understand what we mean by the term ‘silent killer.’ This is a term used to describe diseases that do not exhibit any visible symptoms and go unnoticed in patients, making it difficult to diagnose early enough for effective treatment. Silent killer diseases tend to develop slowly, and it’s often difficult to detect their presence until it’s too late.

Common Silent Killer Diseases

Some of the most common silent killer diseases include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer.

These diseases have no evident symptoms at the initial stages or may show mild symptoms that go unnoticed by the patients, making them develop undetected and untreated for long periods.

The Unacknowledged Disease Affecting 1 in 4 Patients

There’s a lesser-known silent killer disease that often goes unacknowledged, and it’s affecting 1 in 4 patients worldwide. This unacknowledged disease is none other than Fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain all over the body. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

Fibromyalgia usually affects women more than men, and it is estimated to affect 2-8% of the world’s population.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary from person to person, and some may only experience a few symptoms, while others may have multiple symptoms. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain.

This pain can range from mild to severe and is usually dull and aching. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:.

Fatigue
Stiffness
Headaches/migraines
Cognitive issues
Sleep disturbances
Depression and anxiety
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive problems
Painful menstrual periods

The Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but several factors may increase the risk of developing this condition. These include:.

Genetics: Fibromyalgia seems to run in families, indicating a possible genetic component
Physical trauma: Car accidents, falls, and other physical trauma can trigger fibromyalgia in some people.
Infections: Certain infections, such as Lyme disease and Hepatitis C, have been linked to fibromyalgia.
Emotional stress: Emotional stress can be a trigger for fibromyalgia in some patients.
Sleep disturbances: Patients with sleep disorders are more likely to develop fibromyalgia.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging since there is no definitive test to diagnose this disease. Doctors usually base their diagnosis on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and physical examination.

Physicians may also perform specific tests like blood tests and X-rays to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

There’s currently no cure for fibromyalgia, and treatment is aimed at managing the patient’s symptoms. Fibromyalgia treatment usually involves a combination of medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia. These may include pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants.

Exercise and healthy lifestyle changes are also beneficial for patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Exercise helps to reduce pain and stiffness, improve muscle strength and flexibility, and promote better sleep.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms include getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and adopting a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia is a silent killer disease affecting a significant percentage of patients globally. Lack of evident symptoms, no definable causes makes it a more challenging condition to diagnose and manage.

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia currently, it’s possible to manage the symptoms through medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life for fibromyalgia patients and preventing complications.