Fibromyalgia Throat Pain: Causes, Triggers, Relief Tips

Understanding Links Between Fibromyalgia and Throat Pain

People with fibromyalgia often experience body-wide chronic pain, including in the throat area. Ongoing throat discomfort is one of numerous unpleasant fibromyalgia symptoms that can severely impact quality of life.

Determining the root cause of throat pain can be confusing when you have a complex condition like fibromyalgia. Is the sore throat due to fibromyalgia inflammation or something else? Getting the right diagnosis is key to proper symptom management.

Common Causes of Throat Pain

In the general population, sore throats usually stem from simple viral or bacterial infections. Other potential causes of throat pain include:

• Allergies
• Acid reflux
• Dry air
• Smoking cigarettes
• Muscle strains
• Tonsillitis

For fibromyalgia patients, flare ups of widespread body pain and tender points can also include throat discomfort.

Is It Fibromyalgia or Infection?

Trying to distinguish an illness like the flu from fibromyalgia symptoms can be tricky. The referenced article points out that both conditions involve body aches, headaches, exhaustion and sore throats.

However, fevers are more characteristic of flu viruses than fibro. If along with throat pain you also experience chills, sweating and a temperature over 100°F, infection is likely the culprit.

Fibromyalgia Throat Pain Description

When throat pain is due to a fibromyalgia flare, patients often describe the discomfort as burning or stinging. It may feel scratchy, raw and extremely dry.

Swallowing can become quite painful. The trachea near the thyroid gland is typically extra sensitive to touch.

Rather than coming on suddenly like illness-related sore throats, fibromyalgia throat pain tends to be persistent and nagging. Discomfort levels can fluctuate from moderate to severe.

Fibro Throat Pain Triggers

Identifying triggers that commonly exacerbate fibromyalgia throat pain can help you avoid aggravating factors when possible. Recognizing flares early also allows quicker symptom intervention.

Potential fibro throat pain triggers include:

• Stress
• Weather shifts from hot to cold
• Poor sleep
• Strong scents like perfumes
• Low humidity
• Yelling or throat straining
• Seasonal allergies
• Jaw or dental issues

Treatments to Soothe Sore Fibro Throats

While an illness-related sore throat will eventually resolve as you recover, fibromyalgia throat flares typically need ongoing active management for relief. Some soothing treatment options include:

• Humidifier: Adding moisture to dry air can calm throat irritation.
• Throat lozenges: Temporarily numb sore throat discomfort.
• Gargling salt water: Rinses away thick mucus secretions.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Reduce throat inflammation and swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory essential oils: Several drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil added to a warm bath may help relax throat muscles.

Avoid irritants like alcohol, caffeine, smoking and heavily spiced foods during flares. Rest your voice and stick with soft, soothing foods that are easy to swallow until pain subsides.

When to See Your Doctor

Schedule a medical appointment if you experience severe throat pain that persists longer than a week or two with self-care. Associated issues like trouble breathing or swallowing, fever, or unintentional weight loss warrant prompt evaluation too.

An ENT specialist can rule out complications like laryngitis, swollen lymph nodes requiring drainage, or abscesses around the tonsils and throat.

Managing Recurring Throat Pain with Fibromyalgia

Coping with frequent flares of fibromyalgia throat discomfort can be extremely frustrating. Finding long-term relief is possible through a multifaceted self-care approach. Key strategies include:

1. Identify and Avoid Triggers

Keep a symptom journal tracking fibromyalgia flare ups, including throat pain episodes. Note connections to potential triggers like weather shifts, illnesses, stress levels, or diet and environmental factors in the preceding days. Modify behaviors accordingly.

2. Address Allergies or Acid Reflux

Allergies making post-nasal drip slide down the throat or acid reflux burning the esophagus can either cause or aggravate sore throats. Getting appropriate treatment for these conditions can help reduce discomfort.

3. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Gently brushing teeth and gums twice daily keeps bacteria accumulation down. Ask your dentist about special toothpastes to actively heal mouth ulcers or gum inflammation, both of which can make throats extra tender.

4. Explore Assistive Devices

Devices like humidifiers and air purifiers can minimize seasonal allergy or dry air discomfort. Microwavable heating wraps and neck pillows release tension from throat muscles.

5. Consider Dietary Changes

Identify and limit any problem food sensitivities contributing to inflammation. Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, ginger and garlic may also modestly soothe throat irritation.

6. Optimize Sleep Habits

Getting enough high quality rest keeps fibromyalgia symptoms like throat pain from spiraling out of control. Expert-recommended sleep hygiene practices to follow include maintaining a cool, dark sleeping environment and sticking to consistent bed/wake times.

7. Manage Stress Levels

High perceived stress strongly predicts fibromyalgia flares. Adopt regular stress-busting rituals like leisurely walks, reading, funny movies, yoga classes or time connecting with supportive loved ones.

If anxiety or depression rear up despite self-care efforts, consider working with a therapist so these mood issues don’t amplify physical discomforts.

8. Explore Fibromyalgia Throat Pain Medications

Over-the-counter analgesics offer temporary relief for sore throats, but aren’t practical for constant use. Many fibromyalgia patients need stronger prescription options to rein in recurrent discomfort from throat pain flares.

Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Gabapentin dulls irritated nerve responses. Lyrica is the first FDA-approved fibro treatment targeting throat and other body pain symptoms.

Work closely with your doctors to determine the best medication approach for your situation. Be patient adjusting dosage levels and drug combinations until finding what provides adequate daily relief with acceptable side effects.

Recognizing Throat Pain Patterns with Fibromyalgia

Learning your own unique fibromyalgia throat pain patterns is essential for prompt flare intervention. Key characteristics in your symptom profile may include:

• Consistent precipitation by specific triggers
• Burning, stinging, scratchy sensations
• Increased severity swallowing foods or liquids
• Tracheal sensitivity near thyroid
• Moderate to severe discomfort lasting hours to days
• Residual mild pain continuing between flares

Keep documentation of your fibro throat pain patterns, treatments tried and effectiveness. This helps you and your doctors hone symptom management over time. Soon you will crack the combination that offers substantial relief from frustrating throat flares.

Have Realistic Expectations

While determined self-care and medical support can significantly minimize fibromyalgia throat pain episodes, realistic expectations are still prudent.

A lifetime chronic condition like fibromyalgia may never resolve entirely. Throat pain flares could still periodically disrupt your routine despite best efforts. Working to lower flare frequency and severity (rather than eliminating symptoms completely) is an achievable goal requiring measured pacing.

Stay Encouraged

Managing recurring fibromyalgia throat pain requires tremendous patience and perseverance. But take heart knowing many fellow patients and compassionate providers stand ready to help lighten the burden. With time and experience, you can learn how to flexibly roll with fibro flares when they strike.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.