EMS Symptoms

Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) is caused by taking impure l-trytophan (an amino acid) supplements. It can affect your lungs, heart, skin, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. It includes several phases: initial (or acute) intermediate and later (or chronic).

Symptoms of the Initial Phase

• Symptoms of the acute (initial) phase include sharp pain, myalgia (muscle pain and cramping), tremor, neuropathy (burning pain, weakness and numbness), joint pain, swelling, weight fluctuations, hair loss, nausea and abdominal discomfort.

Symptoms of the Intermediate Phase

• The intermediate stage is usually 3 to 18 months after symptoms begin. Symptoms include continuing myalgia, muscle spasms, weakness, difficulty concentrating, changes in mental status, altered mental state, pronounced fatigue, continuing neuropathy, cough, depression, visual abnormalities (like dry eyes, tearing or loss of vision), migraines and GI (gastrointestinal) problems.

Symptoms of the Chronic Phase

• Chronic symptoms include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, increased sensitivity (to chemicals or smells), altered mental status, dry eye syndrome, chronic pain, psychiatric problems (like anxiety, panic disorder and depression), diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, fatty tumors, lung problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia) and cardiac problems(hypertension or stroke).

Treatment

• Treatment varies depending on your symptoms. For example, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia, your doctor will prescribe treatments like antidepressants (like Prozac or Cymbalta) or an anti-seizure medication such as Lyrica, which according to the Mayo Clinic was the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved fibromyalgia medication.

Alternative Treatments

• According to the National Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Network, some patients may also explore alternative treatments like acupuncture, physical therapy and massage.