The Overlap of Long-COVID, ME/CFS, and IBS
How to understand the overlap of long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndromes
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049017224000957
Study Summary
This article discusses the overlap between long COVID (LC), chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), fibromyalgia (FM), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It argues that long COVID should be limited to patients with persistent symptoms not related to organ damage and that, when redefined in this way, long COVID has striking similarities to CFS/ME, FM, and IBS. The author suggests that all of these conditions are best understood as bidirectional mind-body, neuroimmune illnesses.
Key Topics
Overlap with CFS/ME, FM, and IBS: Long COVID shares many symptoms and potential pathophysiological mechanisms with CFS/ME, FM, and IBS, including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, pain, cognitive dysfunction, and gut issues.
Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Central nervous system dysfunction, including autonomic nervous system abnormalities and altered brain connectivity, may play a key role in all four conditions.
Neuroimmune Involvement: Neuroimmune mechanisms, including microglial activation and autoantibodies against neural targets, may contribute to the pathophysiology of these conditions.
Bidirectional Mind-Body Illness: Long COVID, CFS/ME, FM, and IBS are best understood as bidirectional mind-body illnesses, where both physical and psychological factors interact and influence each other.
Why It Matters
Relevance to Chronic Condition Management: This study highlights the shared characteristics of these conditions, suggesting that a similar approach to management may be beneficial for all of them.
Connections to Occupational Therapy: As an occupational therapist, these findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach that addresses physical, cognitive, and psychological factors in patients with these conditions.
What This Means for Managing Symptoms
Pacing: Individuals with these conditions should learn to pace their activities to avoid post-exertional malaise and manage fatigue.
Stress Management: Stress management techniques may be helpful in reducing symptom severity.
Cognitive Strategies: Cognitive rehabilitation may be necessary for those experiencing brain fog.
Psychosocial Support: Accessing mental health support can help address mood disturbances and improve coping strategies.
Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy lifestyle habits, including regular sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise within tolerance, can support overall well-being.
Citation
Goldenberg, D. L. (2024). How to understand the overlap of long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndromes. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 67, 152455.