What are the common causes of body aches and fever. How can you identify the underlying condition causing these symptoms. What are the effective treatments for body aches and fever. When should you seek medical attention for persistent body aches and fever.

Common Causes of Body Aches: From Everyday Ailments to Serious Conditions

Body aches can be a symptom of various health issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to more serious medical conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help you identify the root of your discomfort and seek appropriate treatment.

Infections and Viruses

One of the most common causes of body aches is viral or bacterial infections. When your body is fighting off an invader, it can lead to inflammation and soreness throughout your muscles. Common culprits include:

• Influenza (flu)
• Common cold
• COVID-19
• Bacterial infections

During an infection, your immune system releases white blood cells to combat the pathogen. This immune response can result in inflammation, leaving your muscles feeling achy and stiff.

Fibromyalgia: A Chronic Pain Condition

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness. It’s believed to be caused by abnormalities in how the central nervous system processes pain signals. People with fibromyalgia often experience persistent body aches along with other symptoms such as sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties.

Medication Side Effects and Withdrawal

Certain medications can cause body aches as a side effect. Some common examples include:

• Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
• Blood pressure medications
• Some antibiotics

Additionally, withdrawal from alcohol or drugs like cocaine and opiates can lead to body aches and pains as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Body Aches

Your daily habits and lifestyle choices can significantly influence the occurrence of body aches. Let’s explore some of these factors:

Dehydration and Its Effects

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions. When you’re dehydrated, your muscles may become more prone to aches and cramps. Dehydration can also lead to fatigue, making your body feel heavy and sore.

How much water should you drink daily? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. However, factors like climate, physical activity, and overall health can influence your hydration needs.

The Sleep-Pain Connection

There’s a strong link between sleep and pain perception. Lack of sleep can exacerbate body aches and make you more sensitive to pain. Conversely, chronic pain can make it difficult to get quality sleep, creating a vicious cycle.

To improve sleep quality and potentially reduce body aches:

1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine
3. Ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to rest
4. Limit screen time before bed
5. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime

Stress and Its Physical Manifestations

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on your physical well-being. It can lead to muscle tension, weakened immune function, and increased sensitivity to pain. Over time, this can manifest as persistent body aches and pains.

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Engaging in hobbies and enjoyable activities
• Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional

Nutritional Deficiencies and Body Aches: The Case of Hypokalemia

Nutritional imbalances can sometimes be the culprit behind persistent body aches. One such condition is hypokalemia, which occurs when potassium levels in the bloodstream are too low.

Potassium plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function. When levels are insufficient, it can lead to:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Generalized body aches

How can you maintain healthy potassium levels? Include potassium-rich foods in your diet such as bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans. If you suspect you have a potassium deficiency, consult with a healthcare provider before taking supplements, as excessive potassium can be harmful.

Autoimmune Disorders and Chronic Pain Conditions

Several autoimmune and chronic conditions can cause persistent body aches. Understanding these conditions can help in proper diagnosis and management.

Lupus: When the Body Attacks Itself

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to widespread inflammation, resulting in body aches, joint pain, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include skin rashes, fever, and sensitivity to sunlight.

Myositis: Inflammation of the Muscles

Myositis refers to a group of conditions characterized by muscle inflammation. This can result in muscle weakness, fatigue, and generalized body aches. There are several types of myositis, including polymyositis and dermatomyositis, each with its own specific set of symptoms and treatment approaches.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Impact on the Central Nervous System

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system. It causes damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Body aches and pains are common in MS due to the disruption of nerve signals and ongoing inflammation.

Arthritis: Joint Inflammation and Pain

Arthritis is a common cause of body aches, particularly in older adults. There are two main types:

1. Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear on the joints over time
2. Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joint tissues

Both types can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and generalized body aches. Treatment often involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Recognizing Serious Conditions: When Body Aches Signal Something More

While many causes of body aches are relatively benign, some can indicate more serious underlying conditions that require prompt medical attention.

Pneumonia: A Potentially Life-Threatening Infection

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to severe. In addition to body aches, symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Cough with phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. If you suspect pneumonia, seek medical attention promptly.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): More Than Just Tiredness

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Alongside fatigue, people with CFS often experience:

• Widespread muscle and joint pain
• Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”)
• Sleep problems
• Post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion)

Diagnosing CFS can be challenging, as its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue and body aches that significantly impact your daily life, consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Fluid Retention and Its Connection to Body Aches

Fluid retention, also known as edema, can contribute to body aches and pains. When excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, it can lead to swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.

Several conditions can cause fluid retention, including:

• Heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes (e.g., during menstruation or pregnancy)

How can you manage fluid retention at home? Some strategies include:

1. Reducing salt intake
2. Elevating affected limbs
3. Wearing compression garments
4. Engaging in regular physical activity
5. Staying hydrated (which may seem counterintuitive but can help flush out excess fluid)

If fluid retention is severe or persistent, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to identify and address the underlying cause.

Comprehensive Approach to Diagnosing Body Aches

When experiencing persistent body aches, it’s crucial to consider the full picture of your health. Healthcare providers use a combination of methods to diagnose the cause of body aches:

Physical Examination and Medical History

A thorough physical exam and discussion of your medical history can provide valuable clues about the cause of your symptoms. Be prepared to discuss:

• The nature and location of your pain
• How long you’ve been experiencing symptoms
• Any other symptoms you’ve noticed
• Your lifestyle habits and recent changes
• Any medications or supplements you’re taking

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests can help identify various conditions that might be causing your body aches:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for infections or anemia
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to assess inflammation levels
• Electrolyte panel to check for imbalances like hypokalemia
• Thyroid function tests
• Tests for specific autoimmune markers if an autoimmune condition is suspected

Imaging Studies

In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary to visualize internal structures and identify potential causes of body aches:

• X-rays to examine bones and joints
• MRI or CT scans for more detailed imaging of soft tissues and organs
• Ultrasound to assess fluid retention or soft tissue abnormalities

By combining these diagnostic approaches, healthcare providers can more accurately determine the underlying cause of your body aches and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Holistic Treatment Strategies for Body Aches

Treating body aches often requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause. Here are some strategies that can help alleviate body aches:

Medications and Supplements

Depending on the cause of your body aches, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Prescription pain medications for more severe cases
• Muscle relaxants for tension-related aches
• Supplements to address nutritional deficiencies (e.g., potassium supplements for hypokalemia)

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement regimen.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Gentle exercise and targeted physical therapy can help alleviate body aches by:

• Improving flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthening muscles to better support joints
• Promoting circulation and reducing inflammation
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers

A physical therapist can develop a personalized exercise plan tailored to your specific needs and condition.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to achy areas can provide relief:

• Heat therapy: Increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and can be particularly helpful for chronic pain conditions
• Cold therapy: Reduces inflammation and numbs pain, often beneficial for acute injuries or flare-ups

Experiment with both to see which provides the most relief for your particular situation.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Managing stress can have a significant impact on body aches. Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga or tai chi
• Deep breathing exercises
• Biofeedback

These practices can help relax tense muscles and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Dietary Modifications

Your diet can play a role in managing body aches. Consider the following dietary strategies:

• Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fatty fish, leafy greens, berries)
• Reduce consumption of processed foods and added sugars
• Stay hydrated to support muscle function and reduce the risk of cramps
• Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins D and B12, which play roles in nerve and muscle function

In some cases, working with a registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized nutrition plan to support your overall health and potentially reduce body aches.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Body Aches

While many causes of body aches can be managed at home, certain situations warrant prompt medical attention. Consider seeking medical care if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Body aches accompanied by high fever (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Swelling or redness in a specific area, which could indicate infection
• Body aches that persist for more than a few weeks without an apparent cause
• Signs of severe dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dark urine, or dizziness

Remember, persistent or severe body aches can be a sign of underlying health conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your symptoms.

By understanding the various causes of body aches and fever, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, you can better manage these common but often disruptive symptoms. Remember that your body often communicates important information through these sensations, so paying attention to them and addressing them properly is key to maintaining your overall health and well-being.

Body aches: Causes and treatments

If body aches are due to a medical condition, a person may experience other symptoms as well. Recognizing other signs can help a person identify the cause and decide whether they should see a doctor.

Some common symptoms that occur alongside body aches are:

• pain in a specific part of the body
• weakness
• fatigue
• shivers or changes in body temperature
• cold and flu-like symptoms

Body aches may occur for many different reasons. Most are easily treatable and relatively harmless, but sometimes body aches can be due to more serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of body aches include:

Fibromyalgia

Pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness are all symptoms of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes aches and pains throughout the body.

Fibromyalgia may result from the way the central nervous system processes pain messages when they occur in the body.

Infections and viruses

The flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches.

When such infections occur, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight off the infection.

This can result in inflammation, which can leave the muscles in the body feeling achy and stiff.

Medications

Some medicines and drugs, such as statins and blood pressure medications, have side effects that make the body feel sore, stiff, and achy.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and certain drugs, including cocaine and opiates, can also have a similar effect.

Fluid retention

When the body retains fluid, swelling and inflammation may develop, resulting in general muscular aches and pains. A person may also experience sharp, localized pains and cramps.

Conditions that can lead to fluid retention include:

Each of these conditions needs specific treatment, but some home remedies can reduce the impact of water retention.

Learn more here about fluid retention, why it happens, and how to manage it.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is when a person has low potassium in their bloodstream.

Low potassium affects the way nerves and muscles function, which can result in body aches, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Stress

Stress can cause tension in the body and can also weaken the immune system. This may make the muscles feel stiff, as well as affect the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is essential to keep a person’s body functioning well. Dehydration can sometimes cause a person to feel tired and sore.

Lack of sleep

Scientists think there might be a two-way link between sleep and pain.

People who experience chronic pain often find it hard to sleep. At the same time, research has found that people with insomnia often experience chronic pain.

Over time, not getting enough sleep can lead to exhaustion. This may make the body feel achy, sluggish, and heavy.

Lack of sleep also affects the body’s ability to repair tissues and cells. When the body does not have sufficient time to repair and recuperate, a person may experience aches and pains more frequently.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be very dangerous without treatment. Pneumonia may result in an inability to get enough oxygen into the body.

Without enough oxygen, red blood cells and tissues in the body are not able to function properly, which may cause aches and pains.

Find out more here about pneumonia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

In a similar way to a person who does not get enough sleep, someone with CFS may experience muscular aches in addition to insomnia, exhaustion, and weakness.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when a person’s joints become inflamed. Arthritis can result from wear and tear on the body or may be a result of an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the healthy tissues that line the joints.

Pain and achiness are common symptoms of arthritis.

Autoimmune disorders

Various autoimmune disorders can cause body aches. These include:

Lupus: This occurs when a person’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation.

Myositis: This is an inflammation of the muscles. Other symptoms of myositis include fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. People with MS feel body aches and pains because the tissue surrounding their nerve cells has broken down due to persistent inflammation.

Body aches: Causes and treatments

If body aches are due to a medical condition, a person may experience other symptoms as well. Recognizing other signs can help a person identify the cause and decide whether they should see a doctor.

Some common symptoms that occur alongside body aches are:

• pain in a specific part of the body
• weakness
• fatigue
• shivers or changes in body temperature
• cold and flu-like symptoms

Body aches may occur for many different reasons. Most are easily treatable and relatively harmless, but sometimes body aches can be due to more serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of body aches include:

Fibromyalgia

Pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness are all symptoms of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes aches and pains throughout the body.

Fibromyalgia may result from the way the central nervous system processes pain messages when they occur in the body.

Infections and viruses

The flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches.

When such infections occur, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight off the infection.

This can result in inflammation, which can leave the muscles in the body feeling achy and stiff.

Medications

Some medicines and drugs, such as statins and blood pressure medications, have side effects that make the body feel sore, stiff, and achy.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and certain drugs, including cocaine and opiates, can also have a similar effect.

Fluid retention

When the body retains fluid, swelling and inflammation may develop, resulting in general muscular aches and pains. A person may also experience sharp, localized pains and cramps.

Conditions that can lead to fluid retention include:

Each of these conditions needs specific treatment, but some home remedies can reduce the impact of water retention.

Learn more here about fluid retention, why it happens, and how to manage it.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is when a person has low potassium in their bloodstream.

Low potassium affects the way nerves and muscles function, which can result in body aches, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Stress

Stress can cause tension in the body and can also weaken the immune system. This may make the muscles feel stiff, as well as affect the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is essential to keep a person’s body functioning well. Dehydration can sometimes cause a person to feel tired and sore.

Lack of sleep

Scientists think there might be a two-way link between sleep and pain.

People who experience chronic pain often find it hard to sleep. At the same time, research has found that people with insomnia often experience chronic pain.

Over time, not getting enough sleep can lead to exhaustion. This may make the body feel achy, sluggish, and heavy.

Lack of sleep also affects the body’s ability to repair tissues and cells. When the body does not have sufficient time to repair and recuperate, a person may experience aches and pains more frequently.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be very dangerous without treatment. Pneumonia may result in an inability to get enough oxygen into the body.

Without enough oxygen, red blood cells and tissues in the body are not able to function properly, which may cause aches and pains.

Find out more here about pneumonia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

In a similar way to a person who does not get enough sleep, someone with CFS may experience muscular aches in addition to insomnia, exhaustion, and weakness.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when a person’s joints become inflamed. Arthritis can result from wear and tear on the body or may be a result of an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the healthy tissues that line the joints.

Pain and achiness are common symptoms of arthritis.

Autoimmune disorders

Various autoimmune disorders can cause body aches. These include:

Lupus: This occurs when a person’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation.

Myositis: This is an inflammation of the muscles. Other symptoms of myositis include fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. People with MS feel body aches and pains because the tissue surrounding their nerve cells has broken down due to persistent inflammation.

Body aches: Causes and treatments

If body aches are due to a medical condition, a person may experience other symptoms as well. Recognizing other signs can help a person identify the cause and decide whether they should see a doctor.

Some common symptoms that occur alongside body aches are:

• pain in a specific part of the body
• weakness
• fatigue
• shivers or changes in body temperature
• cold and flu-like symptoms

Body aches may occur for many different reasons. Most are easily treatable and relatively harmless, but sometimes body aches can be due to more serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of body aches include:

Fibromyalgia

Pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness are all symptoms of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes aches and pains throughout the body.

Fibromyalgia may result from the way the central nervous system processes pain messages when they occur in the body.

Infections and viruses

The flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches.

When such infections occur, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight off the infection.

This can result in inflammation, which can leave the muscles in the body feeling achy and stiff.

Medications

Some medicines and drugs, such as statins and blood pressure medications, have side effects that make the body feel sore, stiff, and achy.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and certain drugs, including cocaine and opiates, can also have a similar effect.

Fluid retention

When the body retains fluid, swelling and inflammation may develop, resulting in general muscular aches and pains. A person may also experience sharp, localized pains and cramps.

Conditions that can lead to fluid retention include:

Each of these conditions needs specific treatment, but some home remedies can reduce the impact of water retention.

Learn more here about fluid retention, why it happens, and how to manage it.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is when a person has low potassium in their bloodstream.

Low potassium affects the way nerves and muscles function, which can result in body aches, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Stress

Stress can cause tension in the body and can also weaken the immune system. This may make the muscles feel stiff, as well as affect the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is essential to keep a person’s body functioning well. Dehydration can sometimes cause a person to feel tired and sore.

Lack of sleep

Scientists think there might be a two-way link between sleep and pain.

People who experience chronic pain often find it hard to sleep. At the same time, research has found that people with insomnia often experience chronic pain.

Over time, not getting enough sleep can lead to exhaustion. This may make the body feel achy, sluggish, and heavy.

Lack of sleep also affects the body’s ability to repair tissues and cells. When the body does not have sufficient time to repair and recuperate, a person may experience aches and pains more frequently.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be very dangerous without treatment. Pneumonia may result in an inability to get enough oxygen into the body.

Without enough oxygen, red blood cells and tissues in the body are not able to function properly, which may cause aches and pains.

Find out more here about pneumonia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

In a similar way to a person who does not get enough sleep, someone with CFS may experience muscular aches in addition to insomnia, exhaustion, and weakness.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when a person’s joints become inflamed. Arthritis can result from wear and tear on the body or may be a result of an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the healthy tissues that line the joints.

Pain and achiness are common symptoms of arthritis.

Autoimmune disorders

Various autoimmune disorders can cause body aches. These include:

Lupus: This occurs when a person’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation.

Myositis: This is an inflammation of the muscles. Other symptoms of myositis include fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. People with MS feel body aches and pains because the tissue surrounding their nerve cells has broken down due to persistent inflammation.

Body aches: Causes and treatments

If body aches are due to a medical condition, a person may experience other symptoms as well. Recognizing other signs can help a person identify the cause and decide whether they should see a doctor.

Some common symptoms that occur alongside body aches are:

• pain in a specific part of the body
• weakness
• fatigue
• shivers or changes in body temperature
• cold and flu-like symptoms

Body aches may occur for many different reasons. Most are easily treatable and relatively harmless, but sometimes body aches can be due to more serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of body aches include:

Fibromyalgia

Pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness are all symptoms of fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes aches and pains throughout the body.

Fibromyalgia may result from the way the central nervous system processes pain messages when they occur in the body.

Infections and viruses

The flu, the common cold, and other viral or bacterial infections can cause body aches.

When such infections occur, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight off the infection.

This can result in inflammation, which can leave the muscles in the body feeling achy and stiff.

Medications

Some medicines and drugs, such as statins and blood pressure medications, have side effects that make the body feel sore, stiff, and achy.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and certain drugs, including cocaine and opiates, can also have a similar effect.

Fluid retention

When the body retains fluid, swelling and inflammation may develop, resulting in general muscular aches and pains. A person may also experience sharp, localized pains and cramps.

Conditions that can lead to fluid retention include:

Each of these conditions needs specific treatment, but some home remedies can reduce the impact of water retention.

Learn more here about fluid retention, why it happens, and how to manage it.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is when a person has low potassium in their bloodstream.

Low potassium affects the way nerves and muscles function, which can result in body aches, weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

Stress

Stress can cause tension in the body and can also weaken the immune system. This may make the muscles feel stiff, as well as affect the body’s response to inflammation and infection.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is essential to keep a person’s body functioning well. Dehydration can sometimes cause a person to feel tired and sore.

Lack of sleep

Scientists think there might be a two-way link between sleep and pain.

People who experience chronic pain often find it hard to sleep. At the same time, research has found that people with insomnia often experience chronic pain.

Over time, not getting enough sleep can lead to exhaustion. This may make the body feel achy, sluggish, and heavy.

Lack of sleep also affects the body’s ability to repair tissues and cells. When the body does not have sufficient time to repair and recuperate, a person may experience aches and pains more frequently.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be very dangerous without treatment. Pneumonia may result in an inability to get enough oxygen into the body.

Without enough oxygen, red blood cells and tissues in the body are not able to function properly, which may cause aches and pains.

Find out more here about pneumonia.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

In a similar way to a person who does not get enough sleep, someone with CFS may experience muscular aches in addition to insomnia, exhaustion, and weakness.

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when a person’s joints become inflamed. Arthritis can result from wear and tear on the body or may be a result of an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the healthy tissues that line the joints.

Pain and achiness are common symptoms of arthritis.

Autoimmune disorders

Various autoimmune disorders can cause body aches. These include:

Lupus: This occurs when a person’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues, causing inflammation.

Myositis: This is an inflammation of the muscles. Other symptoms of myositis include fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

Multiple sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system. People with MS feel body aches and pains because the tissue surrounding their nerve cells has broken down due to persistent inflammation.

Have you ever wondered why your joints and muscles ache when you have the flu?

Self Care, Pain Management

Though body aches are never enjoyable, they are evidence that your body’s immune system is working.

When a virus enters your body, your immune system gets ready for battle.

As the white blood cells fight the infection, you suffer the side effects: headaches, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. Along with these symptoms, you may experience muscle weakness (myositis) and joint and muscle pain (myalgia). These side effects may be your immune system’s way of making you rest.

Your immune system, not the virus, causes muscle aches and joint pain.

During the immune response, white blood cells produce glycoproteins called interleukins. These interleukins cause the symptoms associated with colds, flu, and other bacterial or viral infections.

Richard Deem, a senior researcher, and specialist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles provided a concise explanation of the body’s immune response. In his 2001 post on the MadSci.org message board, Deem summarized the process.

According to his post, a fierce battle rages inside the body it contracts the flu virus. The immune system sends antibodies to find and bind the influenza receptors. This defensive action blocks the virus and prevents the infection from spreading to other healthy cells.

After the immune system traps the infection, it launches the next phase of the attack. The body sends T cells and white blood cells to destroy mucosal cells affected by the virus. During the assault, the white blood cells produce cytokines and interleukins. These chemicals kill abnormal cells and recruit immune cells to the infected area. This microscopic battle for wellness is intense and produces the typical flu symptoms.

In 90 percent of the influenza cases, the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its associated cytokines cause muscle and joint pain. Other interleukins may produce different symptoms.

You can share this information with others through a YouTube video entitled Why The Flu Causes Aches & Pain. The video presents this 50-thousand-foot view of body’s immune response in an entertaining way.

Treat your body right during the flu.

If you contract the flu, stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Give your white blood cells the resources they need to win the chemical warfare raging inside your body.

Most people feel better in 3 to 5 days, though some may feel weak and tired for up to a week.

If body aches and joint pain continue for more than a week after other flu symptoms have disappeared, make an appointment with your primary care provider or an orthopedic specialist. Your aches and pains may have another cause.

Sources:
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2001-07/994526623.Im.r.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=286wGNhbE_I

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Body Aches & Chills

There are many telltale symptoms of illness, but one we often forget about (until we’re the one experiencing it) is the chill that comes along with the cold or flu. That and the body aches. It’s hard to fully describe but you know what I’m talking about – your muscles and joints ache and your skin may even hurt to the touch. You can definitely get a fever with chills but don’t be fooled – you can even have chills without fever. And you want to keep it that way! So grab a light blanket and let’s talk about how to keep those body aches and chills under control.

What causes body aches?

I know you’re not in a particularly grateful mood, but first let’s thank your body for doing everything it can to protect you! That crummy feeling means our immune system is actually sending out white blood cells to fight an infection, and that is why we feel so stiff and achy. Our body has gone to war!

Along with a possible fever, you may also experience a sore throat and body aches, fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach aches – these are all possible with a brewing virus and hopefully our body does its job and wins this battle.

What causes cold chills without fever?

Chills are your body’s way of warming you up, oftentimes (but not always) to a feverish level. During this process, as suggested by the word “chills,” we feel cold and want to crawl underneath a pile of blankets. Unfortunately, this will help that fever build! One blanket (or adding warm clothes) is fine to help find some comfort for you or your kiddo but don’t go overboard. (Once the shivering, or chills stops, remove the blanket or excess clothing.)

Chills are not concerning and are just our body’s way of fighting through a virus. We can let our temps creep up as high as 102 F before we treat with medication (tiny tots excluded) – it helps us get through the illness that much faster!

How to get rid of body aches and chills?

• If you or your babe are really uncomfortable with the chills or achiness, you may take an over-the-counter medication to bring the fever down to a more comfortable range. (Reminders: No medications for our babes <3 months old, no ibuprofen <6 months old, no Aspirin <18 years old.)
• Dehydration adds to the overall achiness, so amp up those fluids.
• Rest! Let your body fight for you while you reap the benefits of extra sleep.
• Take a warm bath to soothe your sore muscles. If you’re running a fever, make sure the water isn’t too hot – we don’t want to make the fever worse.

When to call your doctor or head to the ER if you have body aches and chills?

When we do need to be concerned here is more about the fever range and accompanying symptoms. Call your doctor if:

• Temperature >100.4 F rectally in our babes <3 months old
• Temperature >102 F in our kiddos >3 months old to 2 years old
• Temperature >103 F in ourselves or our kiddos >2 years old
• Fever present >3 days
• You or your kiddo are lethargic
• You or your kiddo are dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, no urinating >8 hours)
• Shivering or shaking chills carry on past 30 minutes
• Fever is accompanied by other symptoms that concern you

Head to the ER if your kiddo or loved one:

• Has difficulty breathing
• Is disoriented/confused
• Has a seizure
• Has a fever >105 F

Keep in mind that body aches and chills are side effects of a virus. The achiness will go away as the virus goes away, so hang in there. Avoid the urge to bundle up, drink plenty of fluids, and get some extra rest. Hopefully this remains at aches and chills and you’re able to move on! If you are ever concerned about other symptoms or worry they are carrying on too long, always call your doctor. Or check on those other symptoms through your Kinsa app and prepare to receive more advice from me, Nurse Blake!

Aches Caused by the Flu: Risk Factors and Treatment

One of the most distinct symptoms of the flu (influenza) is painful body aches. For most people, their muscles feel so sore and achy it hurts to move. Additionally, body aches can leave you feeling weak, fatigued, and extremely exhausted. Fortunately, they can be treated and managed successfully. 

Verywell / Michela Buttignol

Causes

When a person gets the flu, natural chemicals are released in the body to help it fight off the infection. Muscle aches and pain are produced by this immune response. While it may not feel like it, body aches are a good sign because your body is doing what it is supposed to do to help you get better.

Dehydration may also contribute to body aches when you have the flu. The body always needs water to prevent muscle cramping and soreness, and this is even more important when you are sick. 

Risk Factors

Some people experience aches and pains every time they get the flu, while others rarely do. Older adults and people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, tend to experience more aches when they have the flu because their bodies have a harder time fighting off the infection. Anytime the body has to work harder, more aches and pains are experienced.

People who live in colder climates may experience more body aches with the flu as well. When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, it is more prone to soreness. The flu also makes the body’s resistance to cold temperatures weaker than it usually is.

Is It the Flu?

In addition to body aches, common flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have a fever, and less commonly, vomiting or diarrhea.

Treatment

There are several things you can do to help manage your body aches as you try to recover from the flu. 

Take a Pain Reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help make you more comfortable. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are more likely to help with aches than other pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen). Examples of NSAIDs include Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), aspirin, and Aleve (naproxen).

If you can’t take NSAID pain relievers due to kidney problems, stomach issues, or other medical concerns, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative treatments for your body aches.

Aspirin should not be given to children under age 18, especially when they have the flu, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re sick with a flu or fever, your body tends to lose a lot more fluids due to excess sweating, and in some cases, vomiting or diarrhea. Drinking lots of clear liquids to restore bodily fluids is an important part of helping your body fight infection.

To help your body stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, broth, tea, electrolyte drinks, and sports drinks, and choose soup if you’re having trouble eating as well.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep plays a big role in regulating many of the immune functions that are necessary for healing and reducing inflammation in the body. Painful body aches may even make resting uncomfortable, but forcing yourself to relax when you have the flu is important. Getting as much sleep and rest as you can gives your body the best chance to fight off the infection.

Apply Heat or Take a Warm Bath

A warm bath or shower can help loosen your muscles and relieve body pain, but if you have a fever, the water should be kept lukewarm to avoid raising your temperature. Since fevers can cause dizziness and general weakness, it’s best to avoid showering if you are experiencing these symptoms. Children with a fever or cold symptoms should also be monitored when taking a shower or bath to avoid injury.

Heating pads and heated blankets can relieve some of your pain. Be careful not to use excessive heat to avoid burns, and consider setting a timer if there’s a chance you might fall asleep.

Ease Aches With a Massage

Though receiving a massage won’t likely cure your flu overnight, it can indirectly help you recover faster. In addition to alleviating body aches, massage therapy can reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that weakens your immunity by impairing certain infection-fighting white blood cells.

Many massage therapists do not treat people when they are sick, but a friend or family member can lend a hand as well. Massaging with topical relief creams may improve blood flow and further ease your aches; just keep in mind that flu viruses are contagious, and anyone who gives you a massage could be put at risk.

Use a Vaporizer or Humidifier

Dry air can increase your risk of catching flu-like pathogens or make your flu symptoms worse. When a flu virus enters your respiratory tract, it gets caught in mucus, which helps prevent infection from spreading. However, when the air is cold and dry, mucus dries up in your airways, making it more difficult for your body to fend the virus off.

Maintaining a relative humidity of 40-60% can reduce the spread of transmission through your home and relieve respiratory symptoms, such as cough and nasal congestion. It can also help fast-track your healing by reducing pain and inflammation in your throat and helping you sleep better.

When to See a Doctor

Although body aches are normal with the flu, if they become more severe than you would expect, you should contact your doctor.

You should also seek medical attention for muscle aches if:

• There are signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, around a muscle
• There is poor circulation in the area that hurts (for example, your legs)
• You have recently been bitten by a tick
• Pain doesn’t improve within three days

Call 911 or go to your local emergency room if:

• You have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• You have muscle weakness or cannot move part of your body
• You have vomiting, a stiff neck, and fever

Some people, especially children, may experience very painful leg cramps with the flu. Leg cramps can be so painful that walking is difficult or accompanied by a limp. If your child is complaining of leg pain in his or her calves or refuses to walk, contact your family’s pediatrician to determine if an evaluation and treatment are necessary.

Could It Be Something Else?

The flu virus can sometimes be confused for other conditions, such as pneumonia. If you have a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, fatigue, and low appetite, in addition to a sharp chest pain, a fever that doesn’t go away, or you are coughing up a lot of phlegm, see your doctor to rule pneumonia out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does COVID-19 cause body aches?

Yes, COVID-19 can cause body aches. Usually, this symptom follows the onset of a cough and fever. To ease these symptoms, you may be able to take over-the-counter acetaminophen but talk to your doctor to be sure.

How long does it take to get over flu symptoms?

It should take three to seven days to recover from the flu if you have no other health issues. However, older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions may recover more slowly and are at risk for complications and additional health problems.

A Word From Verywell

Flu symptoms can vary depending on the strain of the flu and the person who is sick. For many people, the stages of the flu begin with body aches, which are one of the most common flu symptoms. When everything from your head and neck to your legs feels sore, it can be very difficult to relax and take care of yourself. Do your best to relieve the pain and support your immune system, and take comfort in knowing that with time and TLC, you’ll be ache-free and on your way.

90,000 Muscle pain: causes and symptoms. Diagnostics, prevention and treatment

Views: 165 352

Date of last update: 30.04.2021

Average Read Time: 13 minutes

Contents:

Causes of pain
Symptoms of muscle pain
Distinguish between acute and chronic myalgias
Diagnostics
Treatment
Drug therapy
Prevention

Muscle pain or myalgia is one of the common reasons for seeking medical attention ¹ .About 30% of patients at a doctor’s appointment complain of pain, which is often associated with skeletal muscles ² . This is because the muscular system is one of the largest in the human body. In total, there are more than 600 muscles in the human body ³ , their mass is 35-40% ³ of the total weight, and in a certain category of people, for example, athletes, this figure can reach 60% ³ .

Muscles are divided according to the type of structure into skeletal, which make up most of the muscle mass, and smooth, mainly represented in the muscles of the internal hollow organs (stomach, intestines, bronchi, vascular wall).

Causes of pain

It can be quite difficult to determine the cause of muscle pain, since myalgias can be caused not only by the pathology of the muscle itself, but often become a mask for other diseases – rheumatic, endocrinological, infectious and neurological ¹ .

Main causes of muscle pain ¹ :

1. Injury: contusion, sprain, rupture, muscle separation. It is especially common in sports, usually does not pose a direct threat to life, is not always diagnosed in a timely manner and can lead to complications in the form of hematomas, inflammation, and the development of contractures.and have a clear localization.

2. Excessive physical activity, especially if the muscles are not warmed up or poorly trained.This is soreness or delayed muscle soreness, weakening after a maximum of 7 days.
3. Rheumatic and systemic diseases (polymyalgia rheumatica ⁵ , fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and others). They are characterized by damage to the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, intense and stiffness of movements, especially in the area of ​​the shoulder girdle, neck and back.
4. Inflammatory processes in muscle tissue – myositis ⁷ . They can be infectious (enterovirus infection, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis) and non-infectious origin.
5. Taking certain medicinal substances (for example, statins to lower cholesterol levels ⁸ ). The severity of these symptoms can range from discomfort and minor pain to inflammation (myositis) and even death of muscle fibers (myonecrosis). Similar symptoms develop in 3-5% of patients ⁸ and often become the reason for refusal of further treatment with drugs of this group.
6. Toxic effect, including viral. In these cases, the symptoms characteristic of viral infections come to the fore: fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, etc. Muscle pain can be an indicator of the severity of the disease.
7. Neurogenic pains (myopathies). Chronic, sometimes severe muscle pain, which is complemented by muscle weakness and other neurological manifestations.
8. Electrolyte disturbances (lack of potassium, magnesium). A deficiency of trace elements can lead to impaired transmission of nerve impulses to muscle fibers, their pathological contractions, and as a result, pain.
9. Vascular pathology. With circulatory disorders, the muscles suffer from a lack of oxygen.
10. Endocrine diseases and metabolic disorders. In hypothyroidism, one of the symptoms is swelling, which can cause muscle pain.
11. Hypothermia or mechanical stress associated with poor posture, maintaining a non-physiological posture, skeletal asymmetries ¹¹ .
12. Stress. Anxiety that accompanies stressful situations leads to muscle spasm, a decrease in the pain threshold and the formation of chronic pain syndrome ¹¹ .

One of the most common problems is back pain. At the same time, the role of osteochondrosis of the spine is often overestimated and most of the pain manifestations are of muscle or myogenic origin ⁹ and are associated with the involvement of soft tissues, that is, muscles, fascia – muscular membranes – or ligaments in 99% of cases ¹⁰ . Experts combine this phenomenon into myofascial pain syndrome, which has its own characteristics of the course and requires a special approach to treatment.

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Muscle pain symptoms

Patients describe the most typical muscle pain as ¹⁰ :

• aching,
• compression,
• pulling,
• boring,
• spilled.

Most often, the cause of muscle pain is associated with increased stress, which can lead to microtrauma, spasm or increased tone. After rest, muscle pain can resume, which distinguishes them from joint pain ¹⁰ .

Such sensations can be accompanied by stiffness during movement. Those muscles that are in tension for a long time, for example, “static”, that is, those that are involved in maintaining a certain posture or body position, can give stronger pain sensations, they are most often found seals and soreness during examination.

Muscle pain can be local or widespread, it can also have zones of reflection (irradiation), sensitivity disorders can accompany it ¹⁰ , especially when the pain is related to myofascial syndrome (MFS).

Additional criteria of the IFS: limitation of range of motion, tight muscle cord, reflected pain.

With an increase in temperature and pain in the muscles, inflammatory processes usually occur – myositis, including those of rheumatic origin, as well as viral infections – influenza, Coxsackie virus and others.

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Distinguish between acute and chronic myalgias

Acute pain is most often observed with injuries, overloads, infectious diseases.It can have different intensity – from mild to pronounced, usually disappears in 2-7 days.

Chronic pain can last for more than a month and usually indicates the development of myofascial syndrome.

Allocate such degrees of muscle pain ⁹ :

1st stage . Local or local pain that manifests itself only when the muscle is exposed to pressure or stretching. On palpation, a seal can be found, and in response to palpation, there may be slight convulsive twitching.Muscle strength is normal.

2nd degree . The pain is spontaneous, pulling, throughout the muscle, corresponding skin zones with increased pain activity are found. Muscle strength may decrease slightly, by about 25% ⁹ .

3rd degree . Spilled pronounced pain at rest, a whole group of muscles is involved, their strength is reduced by 30% or more.

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Diagnostics

The diagnosis and the choice of treatment depend on what kind of muscle pain the patient has.The main diagnostic criteria for myogenic, that is, having a muscle origin, pain are:

• seal, which manifests itself by changes in shape, size, configuration, length and consistency,
• increase in contractile activity, especially in response to palpation,
• impaired coordination between individual muscle groups.

It is not always easy to identify a specific lesion in the muscles, therefore, a thorough interview and examination must be carried out.

So, myogenic pain in the area of ​​the muscles of the shoulder girdle can be manifested by pain in the temples, a feeling of a “heavy” head, loss of balance, painful sensations in the shoulder joint even at night, at rest ⁹ .

For the diagnosis of myalgias, laboratory and instrumental examination methods are prescribed.

Laboratory Methods ¹ :

• general detailed blood test: changes in the leukocyte formula, erythrocyte sedimentation rate can indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, a decrease in hemoglobin (anemia) can also cause muscle pain;
• blood test for electrolytes and trace elements: potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and others ⁷ ;
• determination of acute phase indicators (C-reactive protein) – their increase speaks in favor of rheumatic diseases;
• determination of the level of thyroid hormones to exclude hypothyroidism;
• immunological tests – to identify autoimmune processes in the body;
• Determination of the level of specific “muscle” enzymes – CPK (creatine phosphokinase) ¹ , when muscle cells are damaged, CPK enter the blood and the indicator turns out to be increased.

CPK is one of the important indicators for the diagnosis of myalgias.

Distinguish between myalgias with and without increased creatine phosphokinase activity.

The first include: inflammation of muscle tissue (myositis), toxic damage, trauma, the consequences of excessive physical exertion.

From instrumental methods, ultrasound and myography are used ¹ .

Most often, chronic myalgias in myofascial syndrome require differential diagnosis with rheumatic and systemic diseases, such as polymyalgia rheumatica and fibromyalgia ¹ .

Polymyalgia rheumatica is mainly diagnosed in people 55-60 years old.

To match:

• prolonged fever, weight loss,
• stiffness of movement,
• minor joint pain,
• a sharp increase in laboratory parameters such as C-reactive protein and ESR;
• muscle pain is localized in the area of ​​large joints, neck, thighs, observed constantly,
• there is no weakness with muscle pain;
• Significant improvement occurs after prescribing even small doses of hormonal drugs (glucocorticoids) ¹ .

Features of Fibromyalgia :

• women from 40 to 60 years old are more likely to suffer;
• Pain is symmetrical, constant, spreads to several muscle groups, ligaments and bones;
• is always accompanied by psychological disorders: anxiety, depression;
• improvement occurs after the appointment of antidepressants.

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Treatment

Treatment of muscle pain is always complex with a combination of medication and non-medication methods and must take into account the cause.

How to relieve muscle pain: general principles ¹ :

1. Rest the affected muscle.
2. Use local anesthetic.
3. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs internally and locally in the form of gels, ointments, creams.
4. Use hot, wet compresses and wraps.
5. Do physical therapy: exercises for gentle stretching and muscle relaxation.
6. Go for a relaxing massage.
7. Treat the underlying disease or correct electrolyte and vitamin deficiencies.

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Drug therapy

The action of drugs for myalgia should be aimed at reducing pain, relieving spasm and inflammation ¹ . To do this, first of all, drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed, including Motrin®.

Motrin® is available as an oral tablet.The drug is indicated for muscle pain associated with inflammation, trauma, overload. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects that can last up to 12 hours ^12.13 . If you do not have the opportunity to visit a doctor in the near future, and the pain causes significant discomfort, then you can take Motrin® as follows: 2 tablets as a starting dose and then 2 tablets every 12 hours or 1 tablet every 8 hours. The course of admission without consulting a doctor, no longer than 5 days.If the intensity and nature of the pain does not change, then you must immediately contact a specialist (therapist, traumatologist, rheumatologist) to find out the cause of myalgia and complete treatment.

How else to get rid of muscle pain?

Folk remedies are most often used for chronic pain syndrome. Most of them are associated with distracting procedures, have an irritating or warming effect ¹¹ . Such irritants can be: capsicum, essential oils of pine, fir, eucalyptus, mint and others.Also used are products based on bee and snake venom ¹¹ . When applied to the skin, a feeling of warmth or burning sensation occurs, which can distract from the painful sensations.

When using such methods, it should be remembered that these methods are not a treatment for the cause of the disease, but can help to temporarily relieve symptoms a little due to the irritating effect.

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Prevention

For the prevention of myalgias, it is necessary to strengthen the muscle frame, perform stretching and relaxation exercises ² .This effectively protects against microtrauma and sprains. In case of chronic muscle pain, a change in lifestyle may be necessary: ​​revision of load, physical activity, change of occupation, prevention of stress, changes in diet to correct the deficiency of vitamins and trace elements.

Periodic massage courses also help maintain muscle tone.

Any muscle pain that is not associated with a specific injury or overload should be a reason for seeking medical attention and careful diagnosis, as it can mask many serious diseases.

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The information in this article is for guidance only and does not replace the professional advice of a physician. Consult a qualified professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Literature:

1. N.A. Shostak. Myalgia: approaches to differential diagnosis, treatment. Modern rheumatology, 2013, No. 3, p.21-24.
2. O.V. Vorobyova. Back and limb pain in the practice of the therapist (focus on non-inflammatory myalgias).Outpatient doctor’s reference book. 2014; 06: 6-12.
3. I.V. Gaivoronsky, G.I. Nichiporuk, A.I. Gaivoronsky. Human Anatomy and Physiology, 6th Edition. Textbook. Moscow. Publishing Center “Academy”, 2011, 498s.
4. Prof. Francisco Biosca Director of the Department of Medicine and Sports Adaptation of FC Shakhtar (Donetsk, Ukraine). Muscle injuries. Actual aspects of sports medicine, Moscow, 2009. P.48-55.
5. I.B.Bashkova, E.I.Buslaeva. Polymyalgia rheumatica: a rarely diagnosed but common condition.RMJ “Medical Review”, No. 1, 04.12.2017, p.48-52.
6. G.A. Ivanichev. Pathogenetic aspects of the formation and manifestation of classic muscle pain syndromes. Manual therapy, 2009. No. 3 (35), pp. 3-12.
7. T.A. Zakharycheva, A.S.Shirovokova, N.V. Levun, M.V. Lazareva. Myogenic pain in the practice of a doctor. Far Eastern journal of infectious pathology, No. 34, 2018. P.84-88.
8. M.G. Bubnova *. Adverse Effects of Statin Therapy: Real Evidence. Cardiosomatics. 2019; 01: 51-61
9. G.A. Ivanichev. Clinical muscle pain syndromes. Kazan Medical Journal, 2011, v. 92, No. 2, pp. 244-248.
10. E.V. Podchufarova. The place of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Consilium Medicum. 2010; 9: 95-100
11. Nature to help. Distracting and warming agents. Pharmacist Handbook. 2013; 04:31.
12. Instructions for the use of Motrin®.
13. Fricke JR et al. Efficacy and safety of naproxen sodium and ibuprofen for pain relief after oral surgery.Curr Ther Research. 1993; 54 (6): 619-627.

Scientists have named new symptoms of coronavirus :: Society :: RBC

Experts believe that muscle aches, fatigue and blisters on the legs may indicate that a person has contracted COVID-19.These symptoms manifest themselves in different ways depending on the age and characteristics of the body.

Photo: Hannah McKay / Getty Images

Several more symptoms may indicate that a person has contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus.This is stated in the materials submitted by British scientists to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which, in turn, presented the results to the government.

According to scientists, we are talking about muscle pain, fatigue and blisters on the legs. They noted that symptoms can manifest themselves in different ways depending on the age of the infected and the characteristics of the organism.

Scientists have named the main distributors of coronavirus

Although these symptoms are clear indicators of coronavirus disease, they will not be added to the definition of illness given by the UK’s National Health Service, the Daily Mail writes.

So far, as the newspaper notes, the three officially recognized symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, persistent cough and loss of smell and taste.

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Maltseva Larisa Ivanovna.

13 November 2019

Family Health Magazine

K limax is an age-related restructuring in a woman’s body associated with the extinction of reproductive function.At a certain age (about 50 years), a woman’s body undergoes many changes that can interfere with her physical, mental and social well-being. Endocrine changes play a primary role, mainly the reduced production of the ovarian hormone estrogen. What are the signs that menopause is approaching? How does menopause affect a woman’s well-being? Is menopause a disease?

Symptoms:

• Hot flushes (“hot flashes”) are the very first sign of menopause.The reason is a decrease in ovarian function.
• Headaches. The head hurts, as if a tight hoop is pressing on the top of the head, or a tense headache begins in the back of the head and upper part of the neck. The reason is a decrease in ovarian function.
• Insomnia. This is a very characteristic syndrome in menopause. Sleep loss is nervous, mentally and physically draining.
• Nervousness. The woman constantly feels nervous. She can’t seem to relax. She feels sick, unhappy, tired.I don’t even have the strength to do my homework.
• Depressive state. The reason is a decrease in ovarian function. It is the worst tolerated. Bad mood, feeling of trouble, tears for no reason. Feeling of hopelessness, loss, life, as if in a fog, there are no desires and no hopes.
• Circulatory disorders. These are hot flashes, palpitations, tightness in the chest. Numbness and tingling occurs in the limbs. These violations are functional. They will disappear as soon as the climacteric period ends.
• Changes in metabolism. They are due to the insufficiency and excessive activity of one or more endocrine glands, which may appear during menopause. Some women suffer from metabolic disorders of carbohydrates, which leads to a violation of the blood sugar and its appearance in the urine. 8. Joint pain and fullness, vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive, loss of skin elasticity, rapid appearance of wrinkles, deterioration of hair. In the mammary glands, the glandular tissue is replaced by adipose and connective tissue.The chest loses its firmness and shape. Body weight increases as the effect of the thyroid gland on metabolism is weakened. Fat accumulates imperceptibly on the belly, buttocks, thighs and chin. The reason is a decrease in ovarian function and, as a result, a lack of estrogen. What complications does menopause lead to?
• To cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and diseases of the nervous system. From 3 to 55% of modern women aged 45-50 years suffer from climacteric syndrome, which, if untreated, gives rise to coronary heart disease, hypertension in 52.3% of cases.At a later age (55-70 years), there is a dysfunction of the urinary tract: from “stress urinary incontinence” to complete urinary incontinence, and a tendency to a chronic course of genitourinary infections. Many women also develop osteoporosis (loss of bone density and leaching of calcium from them), which can lead to fractures of large bones (spine, hip). By the age of 70, 40% of women have suffered such severe fractures. The main problem is that all sorts of violations that accompany menopause force a woman to seek treatment from specialists in different fields: therapists, neuropathologists, gynecologists, surgeons, etc.Imagine that from each of these doctors she receives 2-3, or even more, different medicines. Unfortunately, some doctors, not considering that all these symptoms are manifestations of climacteric syndrome, act on the principle of “syndrome – pill”. In addition, these drugs treat only individual symptoms, and not the true cause of the ailments. Thus, a woman with climacteric disorders can simultaneously take cardiological, hypotensive, antispasmodics, hypnotics, vascular, uroantiseptic and other drugs, in addition, physiotherapeutic, massage and electrical procedures.Can these unpleasant sensations be mitigated? Can!!! Menopause treatment. Recommended: stop smoking or reduce its intensity, increase physical activity, get more rest, etc. These tips are true for any age, but especially during menopause. Sports activities are especially recommended. They are good for blood vessels and bones. You should give up the obsession with losing weight. Subcutaneous fat plays an important role in hormonal metabolism and, after menopause, partially regulates the supply of estrogen.There are also non-drug methods for relieving pain and stress, such as massage, sauna, yoga, and meditation exercises. It is good if a woman is helped by her life partner, for example, by mastering simple massage techniques.
• Medication: Hormonal medications, but must be selected by a physician. With caution, sedatives, antihypertensive drugs should be taken, since transient hypertension often occurs during menopause, which usually responds well to treatment with female sex hormones.Phyto-crops give a good effect.

For menstrual disorders – cyclic administration of gestagens (for example, for 10 days in the second half of each cycle). Low-dose contraceptive pills (in the absence of risk factors for heart and vascular disease). After the final cessation of menstruation, estrogens should be administered in combination with gestagens. Topical (vaginal) use of estrogens to prevent or treat atrophic manifestations is gaining popularity because it has been shown to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

You can go through menopause while staying energetic, sexy and attractive. The specialists of the “Family Health” medical center will help you with this.

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90,000 10 signs of an imminent onset of menstruation

PMS symptoms, known as premenstrual syndrome, appear 5-14 days before the onset of menstruation. Here are 10 main signs that a woman experiences during this period.Most of them can be dealt with at home. But if the manifestations are too active and affect your life, interfere with you, be sure to discuss this with your gynecologist.

Treatment of PMS symptoms

More than 90 percent of women experience PMS symptoms to some extent. They usually go away in the first two days after the onset of menstruation. Here are 10 of the most common signs that your period is approaching.

PMS symptoms

Abdominal cramps

This condition in medicine is called dysmenorrhea.Cramping may start just before your period and continue for the first few days of your cycle. Soreness ranges from mild to severe, and some may even need time off to cope with the pain. Cramping is usually felt in the lower abdomen. But soreness can spread to the lower back and upper thighs.

Pain is caused by contraction of the uterus. They help flush out the lining of the uterus (endometrium) when pregnancy does not occur. These contractions are triggered by the hormones prostaglandins, which regulate ovulation.

There are diseases that cause severe pain during PMS. These include:

• endometriosis
• cervical stenosis
• adenomyosis
• inflammation of the pelvic organs
• myoma

If you have one of the listed diseases in your anamnesis, you are diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea.

The appearance of acne

Approximately half of women report the appearance of acne among the symptoms of PMS about a week before the onset of menstruation.They usually appear on the chin and jawline, but can appear anywhere else.

This is due to natural hormonal changes associated with the reproductive cycle. If pregnancy does not occur during ovulation, the level of estrogen and progesterone decreases, and the level of androgens, such as testosterone, increases slightly. Androgens are responsible for the production of subcutaneous fat, which is produced by the sebaceous glands. If there is an excess of fat, acne appears. They usually go away by the end of your period, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise.

Breast augmentation

In the middle of your cycle, after ovulation, progesterone levels begin to rise, causing your breasts to enlarge and swell. The symptom of PMS is expressed in different ways. Someone has a slight increase, and someone notes the heaviness of the chest, the appearance of lumps and discomfort. If you belong to the second type, you need to contact a mammologist for advice and treatment.

Fatigue

As you approach your period, your body switches from preparing for pregnancy to preparing for your period.Hormone levels drop sharply, which causes PMS symptoms such as fatigue. Many are sad, they cannot cheer up with anything. Women during this period often experience sleep problems, do not rest at night and because of this, daytime fatigue increases.

Bloating

During the preparation for your period, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone change in your body, which causes your body to retain more water and salt than usual. At the same time, you often see an increase in weight up to 2 kg.Symptoms disappear on the first day of the onset of menstruation.

Bowel problems

Since we are highly dependent on hormone changes, our gut is no exception. Prostaglandins, which cause contractions in the uterus, can also cause contractions in the intestines. You may notice frequent urge to use the toilet, and you may additionally experience the following PMS symptoms:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• increased gassing
• constipation

Headache may be a symptom of PMS

Serotonin causes pain in our body.Estrogen, which rises during PMS, raises serotonin levels. It is this interaction that causes headaches and migraines.

Moreover, pain can occur both before, during and after menstruation. Clinical studies show that migraines are 1.8 times more common one to two days before the onset of menstruation and 2.5 times more often in the first days of menstruation than on other days of the month.

Mood swings

For many, the emotional symptoms of PMS cause far more discomfort than physical distress.Women may experience:

• mood swings
• depressed
• irritability
• Anxiety

All the fluctuations of the same hormones are to blame.

Low back pain

Contraction of the uterus under the influence of the release of prostaglandins can also cause muscle contractions in the lower back. Women may experience pain and a pulling aching sensation in the lower back.

Sleep problems

PMS symptoms such as bloating, headache, tearfulness and depression can make it difficult to fall asleep and generally affect your sleep.Also, sleep is affected by body temperature, which rises by about half a degree and lasts until the onset of menstruation. Healthy sleep occurs at a lower temperature.

Treatment of PMS symptoms

Depending on the severity, various therapeutic assistance is prescribed to a woman to relieve symptoms. Severe migraines, bowel upset, endometriosis, and severe pelvic pain usually require medical attention.

In some cases, the gynecologist will prescribe birth control pills to regulate hormone levels.They inhibit natural ovulation by providing consistent, stable hormone levels for three weeks.

You can relieve PMS symptoms at home:

• reduce salt intake
• take pain relievers
• Use dry heat on the abdomen to relieve cramping
• Eat small meals during this period to maintain stable blood sugar
• take calcium

Be healthy! And remember that with any problems you can always contact us.

90,000 Don’t miss the first signs of pneumonia

Pneumonia or pneumonia is a lung disease of predominantly infectious origin with damage to the end portions of the lungs – alveoli and impaired gas exchange at their level. The alveoli fill with fluid or purulent material, causing coughing up phlegm, less often hemoptysis, fever, chills, and shortness of breath. A variety of microorganisms can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, and is most dangerous for infants and young children, people over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of pneumonia

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, age, and general health. Mild signs and symptoms are often similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Cough with phlegm
• Shortness of breath (shortness of breath) with less exertion, talking, at rest
• Fatigue
• Body temperature below normal (in adults over 65 and people with a weak immune system)
• Changes in mood, appetite, physical activity in the elderly (in combination with other factors)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (in rare cases)

Neonates and infants may show no signs of infection.There may be vomiting, fever and coughing, restlessness, fatigue and lack of energy, and trouble breathing and eating.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, persistent fever (38.5 C) or higher, cough, especially if you cough up phlegm.

It is important that people from risk groups see a doctor:

• Adults over 65 years old
• Children under 2 years of age with signs and symptoms
• Patients with exogenous intoxication (alcohol, drugs)
• People with poor and satisfactory health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Patients with chronic diseases, especially in the stage of decompensation (obstructive bronchitis, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis)
• People receiving chemotherapy or drugs that suppress the immune system
• Long-term lying in bed

For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung disease, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition.

Causes of pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by many microorganisms. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe, especially in indoor air. human immunity usually prevents these microorganisms from contracting the lungs. But sometimes these microbes can suppress the immune system, even if your health is generally good.

Pneumonia is classified according to the types of microorganisms that cause it and the location of the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. This happens outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. This could be caused by:

Bacteria: The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae). This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you have a cold or flu. May affect one part (lobe) of the lung.

Bacterial-like organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also cause pneumonia. It usually causes milder symptoms than other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is the informal name for this type of pneumonia, which is usually not severe enough to warrant bed rest.

Fungi or mold: This type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of organisms.The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary by geographic location.

Viruses. Some viruses, influenza virus, herpes viruses, adenoviruses that cause the common cold, can also cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children under 5 years of age. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can get very serious.

Nosocomial pneumonia

Some people get pneumonia during their hospital stay due to another illness.Hospital pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria that cause it can be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick and weakened. People who are on breathing apparatus (ventilators), often used in intensive care units, are at a higher risk of this type of pneumonia.

Pneumonia associated with medical intervention

This is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who are in long-term care facilities or are treated on an outpatient basis, including kidney dialysis centers.Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, it can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a patient inhales food, drink, vomit, or saliva into the lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something interferes with normal gag or cough reflexes, such as brain damage, excessive alcohol or drug use.

Risk factors

Pneumonia can affect anyone. But in two age groups, the risk is increased:

1. Children 2 years old or younger
2. People aged 65 and over

Other risk factors include:

• Hospital stay: increases the risk of pneumonia, especially in intensive care units of hospitals, especially with mechanical ventilation.
• Chronic disease. Risks of getting pneumonia increase with bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis.
• Smoking. Smoking interferes with the body’s natural defenses against bacteria and viruses.
• Weakened or suppressed immune system. People with HIV / AIDS, organ transplant, tuberculosis, chemotherapy or long-term steroid use.

Complications of pneumonia

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:

• Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from the lungs can spread the infection to other organs, which can lead to dysfunction of these organs and further progression of the disease.
• Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). With severe pneumonia, especially against the background of chronic lung diseases, problems arise with obtaining a sufficient amount of oxygen.Hospitalization and use of a breathing apparatus (ventilator) may be required during treatment.
• Accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Pneumonia can cause fluid to accumulate in the thin space between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleura).
• Lung abscess. An abscess occurs when pus builds up in the lungs. An abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes surgery or drainage is required to remove the pus with a long needle or tube placed in the abscess.

If you suspect pneumonia, consult a doctor!

Not timely treatment, self-medication lead to late diagnosis, antibiotic resistance, various complications and even death.

90,000 what to do? – Medical center “Lotos”

You will find out for what symptoms you need to call a doctor immediately. How to help a child. What not to do. In the end, we will talk about the prevention of abdominal pain.

All articles 30.11.2020

Moiseeva Tatiana Nikolaevna

Head of the Department of Pediatrics, allergist-immunologist

You will find out for what symptoms you need to call a doctor immediately. How to help a child. What not to do. In the end, we will talk about the prevention of abdominal pain.

If you see these symptoms, call an ambulance.

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

Symptoms

1. The belly hurts not in the navel area. The further from it, the more dangerous.
2. Pain is severe and intense.
3. Pain interferes with movement.
4. Pale skin and cold sweats.
5. The child has a rash.
6. Vomiting and diarrhea appeared.
7. Vomit yellow, green, or dark.
8. Diarrhea and vomiting do not stop or repeat again for more than a day.
9. There is blood in vomit, urine or feces, even if it is not enough.
10. The temperature has risen.
11. The child is lethargic.
12. You feel with your fingers that your stomach is tense.
13. Bulging in the abdomen and groin.
14. Difficulty or pain when urinating.
15. Injury to the abdomen.
16. In boys – soreness, swelling and redness.

When these symptoms are absent

Ask your child when he last went to the toilet. If you haven’t been there for a long time, send it.

Find out about the well-being of those who ate with your child. Ask family, kindergarten teachers, and so on. If anyone else has a stomach ache, it’s the poor quality food.

Do not feed your baby on the first day. Let him drink a lot. Unsweetened compotes, non-acid fruit drinks, green teas and herbal teas are suitable.

After an exacerbation, put your child on a diet. Give him low-fat broth, crackers, oatmeal, dairy-free porridge, baked apples, bananas, boiled rice without salt, biscuit biscuits.Fresh baked goods and creams, dairy products, fresh vegetables, fruits are prohibited.

A heating pad and an enema can only be prescribed by a doctor.

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

Monitor your child’s condition. If on the second day the pain near the navel does not go away, call a doctor.

Prevention of pain in the stomach and intestines

Follow 5 rules:

1. Do not feed the baby.
2. Give your child fruits and vegetables every day.They facilitate digestion.
3. Let your child drink a lot, especially if he is sweating.
4. The child must have a daily bowel movement. If it doesn’t work, show it to your pediatrician.
5. If your child frequently complains of abdominal pain, see a doctor.

If a child has symptoms from our list at any time of the day, immediately call an ambulance in Chelyabinsk.

Our ambulance phone number: +7 (351) 220-00-03.

symptoms, signs, treatment of kidney diseases at the MEDSI clinic in St. Petersburg

Contents

The kidneys perform many vital functions in the body: removal of toxins and toxins, normalization of pressure, control of elements contained in the blood. It is this organ that pumps several hundred liters of blood a day, delivers it in pure form to all other organs and tissues. Experiencing powerful loads, the kidneys can “fail”.Diseases can occur for a variety of reasons.

Causes of illness:

• Severe hypothermia, sharp alternation of temperature conditions
• Tumor neoplasms
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages of any strength
• Incorrectly formulated daily diet – the formation of calcium stones
• Drug abuse
• Presence of infectious foci in the body
• Decrease in filtration function due to a sharp loss in weight
• Constant fatigue, lack of proper rest leads to a decrease in the work of the protective mechanism, there is a high probability of developing inflammation in the kidneys
• Concomitant oncological diseases
• Bladder too full
• Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract – constipation
• The presence in the body of infections with the release of pus

The list of the most common kidney diseases includes:

• Pyelonephritis
• Acute and chronic renal failure
• Glomerulonephritis
• Urolithiasis (similar name – nephrolithiasis)

The first is the presence of inflammation due to the occurrence of infection in the body.Occurs due to Escherichia coli. The disease, in most cases, manifests itself simultaneously with other dangerous deviations – forms of diabetes mellitus, kidney stones. The patient’s temperature rises, the lower back hurts, the urine becomes cloudy. A disease such as insufficiency is dangerous not only for the health of the organ, but also for the life of the patient. The excretory function is impaired, which causes slag poisoning. Bilateral renal failure is a particular threat.

Most of all known renal diseases have in the name the word “nephritis”, which is understood as the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the kidney tissue.Glomerulonephritis is characterized by damage to the filtration glomeruli that cleanse urine in the body.

When inflammation develops, antibodies are produced that attack the vessels of these glomeruli.

It is a consequence of the appearance of streptococcus (after a sore throat or a neglected acute respiratory infection, food allergies, alcohol poisoning). Urine changes color abruptly, edema appears, and blood pressure increases.

The main disease of the kidneys and urinary tract is urolithiasis.This is the result of a sharp disruption in the exchange of vital substances. According to statistics, it is diagnosed in people who have reached the age mark of 20-25 years. It is dangerous by an imperceptible course, it is detected only during diagnostics.

With the small size of the stone and its high mobility, pain in the lower back appears, and there are frequent cases of blood entering the urine.

First signs

Confusion begins at the very beginning of the development of the disease. Signs boil down to the fact that the person is slightly shivering and he feels some discomfort.Agree, this is somewhat reminiscent of a cold. Usually, we can even simply ignore this, although it is during this period that the malaise is easiest to cope with.

Due to the interconnection of the legs and kidneys, it is recommended to draw well warm water and warm them up. It will be ideal if you wrap yourself up and stock up on hot tea at the same time so you can relax. Finally, you can warm yourself with mustard plasters for your feet, and then sleep in a warm bed.

In the absence of this kind of first aid, the general condition will only worsen, and the kidney disease will progress.

Symptoms of kidney disease and their treatment

In many diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, the manifestations are similar. Therefore, it is very important to seek advice and diagnosis from a specialist in a timely manner. Only a professional can correctly diagnose on the basis of what indications are characteristic for a particular patient.

The general clinical picture of abnormalities is as follows:

• Difficulty urinating or, conversely, involuntary
• Feeling unpleasant when emptying
• Swelling of the face, legs
• The onset of cystitis
• Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• The appearance of blood secretions in the urine
• Temperature and pressure rise

With the question of how to determine the disease, if apart from pain there are no manifestations, it is possible, knowing that with deviations in the work of the organ, 2 types of pain are possible.