Another question and answer from the recent Living Well with Fibromyalgia Seminar. Q. Does fibromyalgia affect the lung tissue. I have shortness of breath and a tight chest. Is this inflammation of the lung tissue and is this part of fibromyalgia? A. A common mistake that individuals with fibromyalgia often make is to assume that every symptom is related to fibromyalgia. This question is a reminder that every new symptom needs to be assessed and managed appropriately. Shortness of breath and tightness in the chest can be related to respiratory and cardiac issues. These symptoms must be medically evaluated as a priority. If we now assume that this has been done and that there are no underlying medical issues, then it is possible to link these symptoms to the same processes that cause fibromyalgia. Shortness of breath and chest tightness can be due to an imbalance in the part of the nervous system, called the sympathetic nervous system. When chronically stimulated, this can lead to symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath. This same same sympathetic nervous system when over stimulated can cause an increase in pain and fatigue in those with fibromyalgia. If someone was to present to me with those symptoms and all other medical issues were excluded,I would encourage a regular stress management practice to learn how to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity. This skill is taught in our the 6 week More Than Meditation course. As indicated in previous posts, our next Meditation course begins on 17 September. For details pathways2wellbieing.au.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 10:49:25 +0000
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