Difference Between Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Key Difference – Lupus vs Fibromyalgia
 

Lupus and Fibromyalgia are two types of diseases of uncertain etiology that can cause mild to severe damages. The key difference between these two diseases is that, Lupus is  a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause mild to severe damages to the skin, joints, and internal organs whereas Fibromyalgia is a neurosensory disorder that can cause pain all over the body. Both these diseases are more prevalent among women than men.  This article describes the differences between lupus and fibromyalgia in detail.

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that has been poorly understood. It can affect many parts of the body including skin, joints, and internal organs, and the damage caused by Lupus can be mild to severe. Most common symptoms of this disease include fatigue, rashes, especially on the face, wrist, and hands, and joint pain and swelling. Lupus is often used to describe a more severe form of the condition called systemic lupus erythematosus. The etiology of the disease is not identified yet. However, it is believed that a combination of some environmental and genetic factors may trigger the condition. This disease is more prevalent in women than in men. There is no exact treatment for lupus. However, there are some medications that can help to lessen many symptoms of the disease. For example, hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant.

 What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). It is a neurosensory disorder that causes soft tissue pain, muscular stiffness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, headache, and problems with memory and concentration. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but it is believed that this is due to abnormal levels of some chemicals in the brain. Moreover, this disease can be triggered by physical or emotional stress. Fibromyalgia is commonly seen among women and can affect individuals in any age group. Even though there is  no exact treatment for fibromyalgia; this  can be treated with the combination of medication, therapies, and lifestyle changes.

lupus vs. fibromyalgia

 What is the Difference Between Lupus and Fibromyalgia?

 Definition of Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause mild to severe damages to the skin, joints, and internal organs.

Fibromyalgia:  Fibromyalgia is a neurosensory disorder that can cause pain all over the body.

Characteristics of Lupus and Fibromyalgia

Symptoms

 Lupus:  Lupus symptoms include fatigue, rashes, especially on the face, wrist, and hands, and joint pain and swelling.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia symptoms include soft tissue pain, muscular stiffness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, headache, and problems with memory and concentration.

Etiology

Lupus: Etiology of lupus is unknown but genetic, and certain environmental factors may trigger the condition.

Fibromyalgia: Etiology of Fibromyalgia is unknown, but it can be triggered by physical or emotional stress.

Treatments

Lupus: Lupus is treated with medicines like hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is treated with the combination of medication, therapies and lifestyle changes,

Image Courtesy: “Symptoms of SLE” by Mikael Häggström [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons  “Symptoms of fibromyalgia” by Mikael Häggström [Public Domain] via Wikimedia 

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