So I read a lot of articles that explain cytokine storms, considering I suffered massively from this. But there is something called Cytokine release syndrome - which many believe may be responsible for many of the symptoms many experience. Syptoms include pain, inflammation, fever, and a number of other symptoms depending on disease may be causing the cytokine release.
Cytokine storms are not yet completely understood, but they can be fatal. However, cytokine release is just very unpleasant for the patient. Some articles I came across discuss other symptoms due to cfs, fibro, lyme, and mold. Some syptoms can be leaky gut, hypersensitivities, (the above symptoms), fatigue, allergies and sensitivites to foods and chemicals, brain fog, confusion, and what may be part of the herx while dieing off (list really goes on). Some doctors suggest it may be a reason why we remain in a chronic state!
I am still doing a lot of research on this, but the herbs I began taking to moderate my immune system have worked considerably in the way I feel. Sometimes I wonder if what I was feeling was a herx or a high cytokine release. I would have never have thought so until the storm happened to me.
I have read another article that suggests many of these diseases are more difficult on women because of something called leptin. Still trying to understand it all. Will post more info. In the mean time, I am putting up 2 links if anyone is interested. And please let me know on your thoughts or knowledge concerning this.
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=8610
http://www.jackkruse.com/hey-lyme-disease-meet-leptin/
Sincerely,
Samantha