A doctor has highlighted four factors that could “trigger” a severely painful condition, which BBC Radio 4 presenter Kirsty Young has been battling.
The broadcaster, 56, who now fronts the BBC Radio 4 podcast “Young Again”, opened up about her struggle with “less good” days during an appearance on the “How To Fail With Elizabeth Day” podcast.
Young had to step away from her role on “Desert Island Discs” in 2018 after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, conditions known for causing swollen and painful joints, according to the NHS.
Dr Ahmed, who shares health advice under the handle dra_says online, delved into the topic in a recent video, stating: “So we finally know what causes fibromyalgia, but what are the main triggers for it? I’m now almost certain that fibromyalgia is an autoimmune condition, but there are some key triggers that can cause someone to get fibromyalgia.”
He continued: “The first trigger is a serious accident, like a car crash. Number two is an infection. Now the most common ones are things like Lyme’s Disease or Epstien-Barr virus.
“Number three is after having a major operation and finally number four, which is probably the most common reason, is having a significant mental trauma in the past.
“Some experts suggest that experiencing trauma in childhood or at a very young age could increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia later in life.”
The doctor found it “interesting” how these triggers seem to affect the immune system, either weakening it or causing stress. Since the video was posted, it has been viewed more than 20,000 times, and has sparked a flurry of comments and questions from viewers.
One person shared: “I had a serious car crash on the M25. I was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia.”
Another commented: “I literally felt my immune system change when I first got sick with fibromyalgia.”
A third added: “I’m speechless. Every day I learn something new related to fibromyalgia, and yet no treatment.”
What is fibromyalgia?
The NHS describes fibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), as a long-term condition causing pain throughout the body. While there’s currently no cure for fibromyalgia, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and certain therapies.
Symptoms include:
- Enhanced sensitivity to pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Issues getting off to or staying asleep
- Issues with concentrating and remembering things
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that can lead to stomach pain and bloating
- Feeling frustrated, worried or generally low in mood
If you suspect you may have fibromyalgia, seek medical advice. Your GP will be able to recommend ways to alleviate the pain.