Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia do coexist in many individuals, while there is no clear, direct link between the two conditions.
Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are among the symptoms that doctors use to diagnose IBS. Testing may be helpful to rule out other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, but neither a blood test nor a scan will prove IBS.
Fibromyalgia is a painful disorder of the bones, muscles, and joints that is linked to fatigue, insomnia, and several hurting spots. Its symptoms are also used to diagnose it. It is common to perform standard testing on the bones, muscles, and joints.
IBS is more common in persons with fibromyalgia, while fibromyalgia is more common in people with IBS, according to several studies. It is uncertain what this means. Although no cause has been found for each, they may have comparable (or possibly the same) causes.
Treatment for fibromyalgia may exacerbate IBS symptoms. For instance, amitriptyline (Elavil), a medication frequently used to treat fibromyalgia, may exacerbate IBS constipation. Additionally, Lotronex (alosetron), a medication used to treat IBS, may occasionally result in weariness and muscle aches, which are common fibromyalgia symptoms.
There may be a closer connection between fibromyalgia and IBS than is generally understood. Future research on either ailment may result in novel therapies and preventative strategies for both.