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CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Men's Health, Mental Health, Women's Health / By

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated, long-term disorder marked by extreme fatigue or tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest and can’t be explained by any medical condition.

  • The fatigue associated with this condition worsens with physical or mental activity.
  • The condition is also referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect anyone, including children. Although, it is more prevalent in women between 40 and 60 years of age.
  • There is an agreement that chronic fatigue symptoms have a negative effect on health, happiness, and productivity.
  • This is because people with the condition may find it very difficult to carry out or complete normal daily activities, sometimes including getting out of bed.

CAUSES

The exact cause of the condition is unknown. However, experts have suggested that the contributing factors may include:

  • Viral infections such as rubella, Ross River virus (RRV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), Epstein – Barr virus (EBV).
  • Problems with the immune system
  • Bacterial infections such as chlamydia pneumonia
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Mental problems such as emotional trauma, or stress
  • Genetics, CFS seems to run in families

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms associated with the condition is based on the individual affected and the severity of the condition.

  • Severe fatigue that does not improve with rest
  • Loss of memory and concentration
  • A sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Unexplained joint pain or muscle pain
  • Feeling unrefreshed after a night sleep
  • Dizziness
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit o neck
  • Sleep disorders
  • Sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, or noise

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome because the symptoms of the condition are similar to many other illnesses.

Many people with CFS don’t look sick so it is difficult for the doctor to recognize the condition.

To make diagnosis, however, your doctor will review your medical history and rule out other potential causes. These may include:

  • A sleep study to determine if your rest is being disturbed by certain sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. Chronic fatigue can be caused by sleep disorders.
  • An exercise test to assess your lungs and heart function because problems with your heart and lung can make you feel fatigued.
  • Lab tests to check your blood for evidence of diabetes, hypothyroidism, anemia which can also result in chronic fatigue.
  • A counselor to help determine if mental health issues such as major depressive disorder, anxiety is not the cause of your fatigue.

Other conditions with similar symptoms include:

  • Mononucleosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia

Ruling out these potential causes is a key part of the diagnostic process.

TREATMENT

No cure exists for the condition. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.

CFS can trigger depression or may be a part of depression, so antidepressants may be used.

Dietary changes, acupuncture, or yoga are recommended by some doctors to help resolve pain associated with the condition.

Some doctors prefer cognitive training and exercises

Supports from family are friends is also important,