Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
08:33
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Chronic rhinitis: an underrecognized association with fibromyalgia.
C H Cleveland1, R H Fisher, E P Brestel
1Department of Medicine, East Carolina University, School of Medicine, NC 27858-4354.
Allergy Proceedings : the Official Journal of Regional and State Allergy Societies
|September 11, 1992
Summary
Allergic rhinitis is frequently linked to fibromyalgia, a condition causing widespread pain and fatigue. This study suggests rhinitis may be an overlooked factor in fibromyalgia development.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis affects a significant portion of the population.
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and tender points.
- The relationship between allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis.
- To explore the association between rhinitis and fibromyalgia in a clinical setting.
- To determine if rhinitis is a potential contributing factor to fibromyalgia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 47 patients with allergic or nonallergic rhinitis.
- Administration of a diagnostic questionnaire for rhinitis and fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Physical examination for tender points to assess fibromyalgia criteria.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of rhinitis patients (38%) met fibromyalgia criteria, significantly exceeding general population prevalence.
- Common rhinitis symptoms included congestion (91%), rhinorrhea (87%), and postnasal drip (83%).
- Positive allergy skin tests did not correlate with fibromyalgia severity.
Conclusions:
- Rhinitis, not just atopy, is associated with fibromyalgia.
- Rhinitis may be an underdiagnosed causative factor in fibromyalgia.
- Further research is warranted to understand the rhinitis-fibromyalgia connection.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...