Is Fibromyalgia An Autoimmune Disease?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is not yet classified as autoimmune disease. But we cannot conclude that it is not one, because the underlying causes of this condition has not yet been known. It is certainly possible that autoimmunity could play a part in all cases.
Fibromyalgia currently affects almost 5 million adults all over the United States. Autoimmune disease can, and usually does, occur alongside with this condition. In addition, some of the autoimmune diseases, like lupus, come with symptoms that are almost similar to fibromyalgia.
Since fibromyalgia has been believed to be a condition that's related to arthritis, and most types of arthritis, like the rheumatoid arthritis are categorized as autoimmune diseases, which is why many believe that fibromyalgia also belongs under this category. Unfortunately, some researches pointed on different directions.
Why Fibromyalgia Is Not An Autoimmune Disease?
There are some researches that would suggest that the immune system on fibromyalgia may come with some irregularities, like it is being chronically overactive. Others also believe that this means autoimmune, but these are actually two different kinds of immune dysfunction.
In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system will basically mistake a certain tissue or structure in the body as being dangerous for invader, like bacteria or virus. It will then attack such tissue or structure, in order to destroy it. The process will usually lead to damages or inflammation in that site.
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