Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments. Additionally, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating illness characterized by extreme fatigue or tiredness that does not go away with rest and cannot be explained by an underlying medical condition. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may also be referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
The causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are not well understood. Some theories include viral infection , psychological stress, or a combination of factors. Because no single cause has been identified and because many other conditions produce similar symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. There are no tests for chronic fatigue syndrome , so your doctor will have to rule out other causes of your fatigue .
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Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the past was a controversial diagnosis, it is now widely accepted as a real medical condition. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can affect anyone, although it is most common among women in their 40s and 50s. There is no current cure, so treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome focuses on alleviating your symptoms. then check out Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments.
Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown. The researchers speculate that viruses, hypotension (unusually low blood pressure), a weakened immune system and hormonal imbalances may be contributing factors. It is also possible that some people are genetically predisposed to developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome .
Although Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can sometimes develop after a viral infection , no type of infection has ever been caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . Some viruses that have been studied in relation to CFS include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus 6, Ross River virus (RRV), rubella, Coxiella burnetti, and mycoplasma. Researchers have found that a person infected with at least three of the implicated pathogens has a greater chance of developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome .
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be the end-stage of several different conditions, rather than a single condition. In fact, 10 to 12 percent of people with Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, and Coxiella burnetti develop a condition that meets criteria for a diagnosis of CFS.
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sometimes have weakened immune systems , but doctors don’t know if this is enough to cause the condition . Also, people with CFS sometimes have abnormal hormone levels, but doctors have not yet concluded whether this is significant.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome vary from person to person and based on the severity of the condition. The most common symptom is fatigue that is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to be diagnosed, the fatigue must last for at least six months and must not be curable with bed rest, and you must also have at least four other symptoms.
Other Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Include:
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Feeling blameless after a night’s sleep
- Chronic insomnia (and other sleep disorders )
- muscle pain
- frequent headaches
- Multi-set pain without redness or swelling
- frequent sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes in your neck and armpits
You may also experience illness or extreme fatigue after physical or mental activities. This can last longer than 24 hours after the activity. People are sometimes affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in cycles, with periods of feeling worse and then better again. Symptoms can sometimes disappear completely (remission). However, it is still possible for them to come back again later (relapse). The cycle of remission and relapse can make it difficult to manage your symptoms.
Treatments For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Currently, there is no specific cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . Each afflicted person has different symptoms and therefore may benefit from different types of treatment aimed at managing the illness and alleviating its symptoms. Because doctors don’t know what causes chronic fatigue syndrome , they can’t cure it. However, you can treat chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms . Treatments can include:
Antidepressants: Often people with chronic fatigue syndrome are also depressed, so treating depression can help with some of the problems that come with it .
Sleeping Pills: Sometimes sleep can be an issue with chronic fatigue syndrome , so your doctor may prescribe some sleep aids.
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Therapy: Some of the best treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome are a combination of light exercise and psychological counseling. In conjunction with your doctor or physical therapist, you can create a personalized graduated exercise regimen. Your doctor may also suggest seeking advice to help you regain control over your life.