Fibromyalgia and Breathing Problems - Causes and Treatment

Coping with Breathing Difficulties Related to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition that can cause widespread muscle aches, fatigue, sleep issues, and other debilitating symptoms. One complaint that is common yet not often discussed is fibromyalgia breathing problems. Difficulty breathing can be frightening and have a major impact on quality of life for those with this condition.

In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the connection between fibromyalgia and breathing issues. We will explore potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and both conventional and natural ways to manage breathing problems related to fibromyalgia.

What Causes Breathing Issues with Fibromyalgia?

Researchers are still working to understand what leads to breathing difficulties in those with fibromyalgia. Here are some factors that may play a role:

• Chronic widespread muscle pain and chest wall tightness
• Fatigue of the respiratory muscles
• Abnormalities in how the brain processes signals from the muscles and nerves
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Sleep apnea
• Allergies and environmental sensitivities

It is believed that the root cause relates to how the central nervous system processes pain signals. Those with fibromyalgia have a lower threshold, so sensations are felt more acutely. Even mild muscle tension or nerve dysfunction can trigger breathing issues.

Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Breathing Problems

Here are some signs and symptoms that your breathing difficulties may be linked to an underlying fibromyalgia diagnosis:

• Shortness of breath - Feeling like you cannot inhale fully or get enough air
• Shallow breathing - Taking rapid, smaller breaths instead of deep steady breaths
• Pain or tightness in the chest - Typically caused by muscle spasms around the ribcage
• Labored breathing - Excessive effort needed to breathe during normal daily activities
• Inability to take a deep breath - Known as dyspnea, this can occur with or without exertion
• Feeling smothered or suffocated - A type of air hunger, even when nothing obstructs breathing
• Excessive yawning - Attempt to inhale more oxygen when breathing feels inadequate
• Erratic breathing patterns - Breaths may alternate between rapid and shallow with deep sighs

Pay attention if breathing troubles seem to arise or worsen along with a fibromyalgia flare-up. The intensity may increase when pain levels spike across the body. Many also note breathing difficulty when experiencing high stress, anxiety, exhaustion, overexertion, or environmental allergies.

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Since breathing problems can result from many medical conditions, it is important to seek an evaluation by your doctor. Be prepared to give details about when symptoms occur, what seems to trigger or worsen them, and any other health issues present.

Your physician will likely conduct:

• Medical history review - Asking about respiratory health, fibromyalgia diagnosis, medications, etc.
• Physical exam - Listening to the lungs and heart, checking oxygen levels, assessing for pain and muscle tenderness
• Breathing tests - Spirometry tests measure lung capacity and airflow as you breathe in and out
• Bloodwork - To check oxygen transport and rule out autoimmune conditions or deficiencies
• Imaging tests - X-rays or CT scans to visualize the lungs and diaphragm
• Sleep study - If sleep apnea is suspected, breathing patterns are monitored overnight

These tests along with your symptom patterns will help determine the cause. Your doctor can then recommend appropriate treatment options.

Conventional Treatment for Fibromyalgia Breathing Problems

If an underlying lung or respiratory condition is contributing to breathing issues, your doctor will treat that problem first. Additional conventional approaches may include:

Medications

Prescription medications that may help improve breathing with fibromyalgia include:

• Pain relievers - Reducing widespread muscle aches can decrease chest tightness and pressure.
• Low-dose antidepressants - Help regulate nerve signals between the brain and respiratory system.
• Muscle relaxants - Loosen chest and ribcage tightness to allow fuller breaths.
• Anti-anxiety drugs - Lessen panic attacks and breathing trouble caused by stress.

Lifestyle Changes

Making adjustments to your daily habits and environment can also minimize breathing difficulties:

• Use pacing techniques to avoid overexertion that stresses breathing
• Practice relaxation techniques to ease anxiety and muscle tension
• Adopt good posture to allow the lungs to fully expand
• Follow a clean, anti-inflammatory diet to ease breathing issues related to reflux or allergies
• Avoid respiratory irritants like cigarette smoke, pollution, and strong scents
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially at night

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist, you can learn stretching, posture exercises, and proper breathing techniques. This helps strengthen the respiratory muscles, open the chest, and retrain how you breathe.

Supplemental Oxygen

If low oxygen levels are causing fibromyalgia breathing problems, your doctor may prescribe an oxygen delivery system. This can be used both during the day and while sleeping.

Natural Remedies to Improve Fibromyalgia Breathing Issues

A number of complementary therapies and natural methods may also help relieve breathing troubles associated with fibromyalgia. Work with your healthcare provider to determine which are right for you.

Mind-Body Practices

Activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and guided imagery focus on the mind-body connection. Incorporating these practices can help manage pain, fatigue, and breathing issues related to fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique where thin needles are inserted at specific pressure points on the body. Some studies indicate this may reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, including breathing problems in some patients.

Myofascial Release

This hands-on technique applies gentle sustained pressure to ease tightness and release restrictions in the connective tissue. Loosening muscles and fascia around the chest and diaphragm can improve breathing.

Essential Oils

Using essential oils may help open airways, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and relieve muscle tightness. Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and chamomile can be inhaled, used topically, or added to baths.

Supplements

Talk to your doctor about supplements that may aid breathing including magnesium, ribose, coenzyme Q10, and some B vitamins. These provide raw materials needed for respiratory muscle function.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Breathing Problems

While mild breathing difficulties are common with fibromyalgia, contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath
• Wheezing, coughing up blood, or chest pain
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or fainting
• Blue tinge to lips or fingertips
• Feelings of panic or impending doom

These signs can indicate potential issues like blood clots, pneumonia, collapsed lung, heart problems, or other emergencies requiring prompt treatment.

Living Better with Fibromyalgia Breathing Difficulties

Learning to manage challenging fibromyalgia symptoms like breathing problems takes time, patience, and working closely with your healthcare team. Be sure to communicate openly about your symptoms and difficulties.

While breathing issues can feel frightening, there are many ways to treat the underlying causes and find relief. Setbacks are likely to occur, so treat yourself kindly on difficult days. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, stress management, proper rest, and targeted treatment, you can overcome the obstacles of fibromyalgia.

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.