Symptoms Linked To Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

First identified in 1989, eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a rare condition that produces inflammation in the muscles, lungs, and skin. Patients with this syndrome also have elevated levels of eosinophils (white blood cells). An epidemic of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in 1989 was found to be caused by tainted L-tryptophan supplements, although the precise substance that caused the contamination was not identified. The supplements involved in the epidemic had been manufactured using genetically engineered bacteria. Since that time, some individuals have developed symptoms associated with this syndrome after taking sleep aids, weight loss supplements, and bodybuilding products containing L-tryptophan or 5-HTP. Diagnosis of this condition can be very difficult since it is so rare. Doctors will need to perform blood tests to check the patient's eosinophil count, and a physical examination will also be done to look for signs of inflammation throughout the body. Treatment is based on the patient's symptoms, and it may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prescription pain relievers to effectively manage pain. Some patients might need to take diuretics, and hospitalization has been required in severe cases.

The symptoms discussed below are some of those most frequently seen in patients with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.

Muscle Aches And Pains

Muscle aches and pains are one of the primary symptoms of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, and they are triggered by inflammation. Generally, they are most common in the arms and legs. Most patients experience intense muscle aches and pains in the acute phase of this illness, and the pain may be severe enough that hospitalization is required. At a minimum, patients in the acute phase of the syndrome would certainly need to limit their physical activity. Patients may have trouble walking or performing regular daily activities. To assess muscle pain, doctors can gently press on various muscle groups to check for tenderness, and they may also passively move the patient's limbs. Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce muscle pain, and patients might also want to try massage and the use of ice packs or heating pads. During the chronic phase of the condition, some patients may enter remission. Exercising during this period seems to help with overall pain control.

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